Purple Heart Day

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor commemorates the extraordinary sacrifices of America's servicemen and servicewomen who were killed or wounded in combat. The mission of the Hall of Honor is to collect and preserve the stories of Purple Heart recipients from all branches of service and across generations to ensure that all recipients are represented.

Sunday August 7, 2011 is Purple Heart Appreciation Day
Event: 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
There will be music by Song of the Valley Chorus, Sweet Adelines International, cake and a presentation on "Why We Are Here: The Significance Of Purple Heart Appreciation Day" along with representatives of the Veteran's Administration Hudson Valley Health Care and Duchess County Veteran’s Services to celebrate and commemorate Purple Heart Appreciation Day.

Source: The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor

Visit site for history and frequently asked questions.

Did you know?

The award known as the Purple Heart has a history that reaches back to the waning days of the American Revolution. The Continental Congress had forbidden General George Washington from granting commissions and promotions in rank to recognize merit. Yet Washington wanted to honor merit, particularly among the enlisted soldiers. On August 7, 1782, his general orders established the Badge of Military Merit, Read more.

On August 05, 2011, The U.S. suffered its highest loss since the war began in Afghanistan when the Taliban shot down a military Chinook in the province of Wardak. 31 U.S. Forces were killed in action, which including more than 20 SEALs from Team Six. Team Six is the unit that carried out the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, Read More.

Never Forget the sacrifices our servicemen and servicewomen continue to make for our Freedom!

31 U.S. Special Forces Killed in Afghanistan

AFP/Getty images

KABUL, Afghanistan- On Friday, August 5, 2011 The Taliban claimed they downed a U.S. military helicopter with rocket fire while it was taking part in a raid on a house where insurgents were gathered in the province of Wardak.

Sources said more than 20 SEALs from Team Six were killed. Team Six is the unit that carried out the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

Read more: www.nypost.com

The death toll would surpass the worst single day loss of life for the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001

NATO confirmed the overnight crash took place and that there "was enemy activity in the area." But it said it was still investigating the cause and conducting a recovery operation at the site.

A senior U.S. administration official in Washington said it was apparently shot down by insurgents. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the crash is still being investigated.

Whatever your politics, please remember our Freedom is won & maintained by the sacrifices of our military men & women. Please keep them in your prayers & thoughts. Honor them by not taking your freedoms for granted…although it is your right to do so.

“Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure“ - oft attributed to Abraham Lincoln.

As found on the net:

31 lost, 31 unwanted visits, 31 doors received that dreaded knock, 31 families with shattered hearts, 31 pairs of boots lined up with rifles, dog tags & helmets, 31 comrades remembered and grieved for, 31 funerals, 31 names on new grave markers, 31 empty places at the table, 31 souls who gave all, whose lives leave a void; take 31 seconds to repost this & pause to reflect on such a sacrifice. God bless them & their families!