Purple Heart Day

To the editor:

The Department of Maine, Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. would like to remind readers that Friday, Aug. 7 is Purple Heart Day, a day set apart to honor those who have served this great country or ours, and have been wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice in combat situations.

All over this great country of ours, families will be remembering their loved ones lost, and those among us who bear the physical reminders of conflicts around the world, past and present.

The Purple Heart is the most unique medal of all the U.S. military awards. It takes thirteen individual steps to make a Purple Heart, and is the most expensive to make, more expensive than the Medal of Honor. This medal instills a very special meaning, only one word can even describe it. Sacrifice.

As of June 5, 2010, the total number of Purple Hearts is 1.910,162.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., is a combat wounded veterans organization, chartered by the Congress of the United States. Only combat wounded veterans are eligible to join.

The Department of Maine has two chapters, chapter 716 in Scarborough and chapter 4570 in Augusta. We have a Service Officer at Togus, and have a number of programs for the members and their families. Our Service Officer is a former active duty Marine, she is also a nurse and has worked with veterans and their families.

Eligible veterans who are interested in joining the Order, or in our programs for veterans and families should contact me at PO Box 97, Palmyra, Maine 04965 or by phone at (207) 487-8401.

Jack J. Munroe

Palmyra