Purple Heart

Washington, D.C., Jul 19 -

U.S. Representative Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) today announced that her office is accepting names and personal stories from Purple Heart recipients.  Rep. Brown-Waite will help veterans collect the information necessary to submit completed forms to the Purple Heart Hall of Fame.  A form is attached to this release.

“As you may have heard, a new facility is under construction to permanently house the stories and mementos of thousands of Purple Heart recipients from around the nation,” said Rep. Brown-Waite.  “The brave men and women who have earned the prestigious Purple Heart will now have a permanent home to share their stories with future generations of Americans.  I would hope that Purple Heart recipients or their families from the 5th District will contact my office and send in their personal stories and history.”

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, a 7,500 square foot facility being constructed in New York State, will share the stories of America’s combat wounded veterans and those who never came back, all recipients of the Purple Heart.

Since 1932, over one million members of the military from all walks of life earned this medal in service to the nation.  Their stories will be preserved and shared through exhibits, live and videotaped interviews with the veterans themselves, and the Roll of Honor, an interactive computer program preserving the stories of each individual.  Guests will also have the opportunity to leave messages of thanks for veterans to read.  A video recording studio will allow veterans or surviving family members to add their stories to the historic record, while a contemplative courtyard will provide a quiet space to reflect on the lives touched by these women and men.

Purple Heart Recipients may contact Rep. Brown-Waite’s office at (352) 799-8354 or toll-free at (866) 492-4835.  One of her staff members will be happy to send each veteran or their family member a form to fill out each name and personal story, proof of receipt (a DD-214 discharge certificate or equivalent), as well as any photographs and personal mementos that will help tell each recipient’s story.  Rep. Brown-Waite will make sure that the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor receives each unique story and learns of veterans’ bravery and service to our nation.