August 7, 2023
Why Is This Medal Most Coveted?
Photo by Sharon Waldron under Unsplash License
The Purple Heart is one of the most coveted honors bestowed on service members of the United States military who were wounded or killed in action. The Purple Heart is a symbol of bravery and loyalty to the country and remains one of the highest honors that soldiers can receive.
Initially, the Purple Heart was known as the Badge of Merit. It started during the time of President George Washington and was one of the awards given to lower-ranking, enlisted soldiers or non-commissioned officers for their outstanding service.
In 1932, General Douglas MacArthur renamed it the Purple Heart with the color symbolizing courage and the heart that stands for love of country and dedication to duty. As a homage to its creator, the medal also bears the likeness of George Washington.
Every year on August 7th, the nation celebrates Purple Heart Day to honor the men and women who have selflessly laid their lives on the line to protect our nation from harm.
Did You Know About These?
Veteran Car Donations shares some interesting facts about the Purple Heart award:
- Famous people received the award.
Many famous people have received the Purple Heart. They included actor Charles Bronson, who turned out to be a real-life action hero. He served as a truck driver for the Army Air Corps before he became a tail gunner in a B-29. He sustained multiple wounds in combat and survived.
Other actors who served in the military and received the medal were James Arness, James Garner, playwrights Ron Serling and Kurt Vonnegut, as well as NFL stars Rocky Bleir and Pat Tilman, and baseball star Warren Spahn. President John F. Kennedy, former Senator John McCain, and former Secretary of State John Kerry were also recipients of this honor.
- Texas has its own version of the Purple Heart.
The state of Texas established its Order of the Purple Heart given to wounded service members who fought in the war against terror in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. In place of George Washington’s image, the medal bears the coat of arms that symbolizes the state.
- Non-military personnel are no longer eligible for the award.
In 1942, civilians and non-military personnel became eligible to receive the Purple Heart. This was discontinued in 1997. However, in 2001, in place of the Purple Heart, the Department of Defense created the Defense of Freedom Medal, an honor bestowed on civilian employees working for the military who are killed or wounded in the line of duty.
Here’s a Meaningful Way to Celebrate the Bravery of Our Troops
A most meaningful way of celebrating the bravery of our troops is to care for their welfare long after they have retired from active service. Many of our veterans are carrying heavy burdens and living miserable lives. They include those who are suffering from homelessness, chronic unemployment, service-connected disabilities, and serious illnesses, including mental health disorders.
You can help improve their living conditions through a simple act of charity. All you have to do is donate any vehicle that you no longer need to us at Veteran Car Donations.
We’ll put your vehicle up for auction, with the proceeds going to our veteran-focused nonprofit partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations use the funding we give them to provide deserving veterans with housing and financial assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, and many other services meant to uplift their lives.
Your charitable contribution will also benefit you in more ways than one. Aside from getting our free vehicle towing service wherever you are in the country, your donation will also entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
On top of the material rewards you’ll get, your vehicle donation will also give you that exquisite feeling of satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be helping improve the quality of life of our nation’s suffering heroes.
We accept almost all vehicle types regardless of their ages or conditions.
For more information about Veteran Car Donations, including our quick and stress-free donation process, head over to our FAQs page. You can also give us a call anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or write to us here if you have certain inquiries or concerns in mind.
Photo by George Pak under Pexels License
Honor Our Heroes with Your Compassion Today!
It’s about time we give back to the men and women who risked their lives to protect us and safeguard our freedoms. Shine them a beacon of hope with a simple car donation. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: August 7th, 2023