July 25, 2007

Purple Heart Day Ceremony to be held at
Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda

(MADISON) – The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Wisconsin, will host a Purple Heart Ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon.

The Purple Heart is the oldest military medal in the world in present use, initially created on August 7, 1782. This year’s Purple Heart Day theme is “225 Years of Valor” to observe the 225th anniversary of the inception of the Purple Heart and the 75th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Purple Heart Day in Wisconsin is designated in state law. Wisconsin Statutes s.14.16(11) states that each year the Governor of Wisconsin will proclaim August 7th as Purple Heart Day and urge the people of Wisconsin and organizations of the state to display the American flag on that day as a public expression of the recognition of those individuals who have been wounded or killed in action preserving the freedoms that all United States citizens cherish.

A proclamation by Governor Jim Doyle will be presented. All current and former Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coastguardsmen, and Merchant Marines ever awarded the Purple Heart, and their loved ones are encouraged to attend. Members of the military, veterans service organizations, and veteran Purple Heart recipients will attend.

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service will be present to unveil the reissued Purple Heart Stamp in 41-cent denomination.

The Public is invited to attend.

For more information, contact WDVA at (608) 266-1315 or go to the WDVA Purple Heart Day webpage at www.dva.state.wi.us/purpleheart. For information on WDVA programs and services, visit our home page at www.dva.state.wi.us or call toll-free 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387).