NOTE: The City is sharing this information on behalf of Councilman Pickett.

This is from Councilman Pickett's monthly newsletter, which residents can sign up for at: www.cityofpsl.com/newsletter

Welcome to the Veterans' View

Purple Heart Day is observed on Aug. 7 each year and is a time for Americans to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. Purple Heart Day is also known as National Purple Heart Day, Purple Heart Recognition Day, and Purple Heart Appreciation Day.

Purple Heart Day will be observed on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.

The holiday was first observed in 2014 and is considered an unofficial observance meaning that businesses, government offices, etc. do not close on this day.

Criteria For Receiving a Purple Heart

The Purple Heart has a long list of criteria for eligibility-too long to list here. But in general, it may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been wounded, killed in action, or have died or may die from wounds received in any action against the United States, action with an opposing armed force, the results of any hostile “foreign force” and many other situations where men and women in uniform may find themselves under attack.

In general, the Purple Heart is awarded for injuries sustained because of an enemy attack. Injuries sustained for other reasons not related to things “not caused by enemy agents” are generally not acceptable as grounds for receiving the Purple Heart, though friendly fire injuries do qualify as long as the friendly fire was intended for the enemy. The Purple Heart is now given to persons who are injured, wounded, or died while a prisoner of war (POW).

History of The Purple Heart’s Long And Winding Road

The Purple Heart began as something called the Badge of Military Merit, an honor created by General George Washington in 1782. The honor was only presented to enlisted soldiers who had performed a “singularly meritorious action.” Only a handful of these were awarded, and following the American Revolution, the Badge of Military Merit didn’t become a permanent fixture among the various other awards and decorations given to those who served.

But the spirit of the Badge of Military Merit would be honored again in 1932 when the Purple Heart award was created to honor the bicentennial of George Washington’s birthday. World War One saw the first Purple Hearts awarded to soldiers, presented on the site of the final encampment of the Continental Army in Windsor, New York.

The Purple Heart took many years to evolve into what it is known today. When General Douglas MacArthur signed General Order #3 establishing the modern Purple Heart, it was not authorized to be awarded to anyone except those serving in the Army or the Army Air Corps. A presidential order signed in 1942 opened the Purple Heart to all branches of the military including the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Modern Purple Heart

World War Two saw the Purple Heart change from an award for meritorious service to one honoring those wounded or killed in combat. Criteria for receiving a Purple Heart has also changed over the years; military members may be eligible for this honor if they are wounded or killed because of an act of terrorism or in qualifying circumstances where friendly fire was involved. 

Source: https://veteran.com/purple-heart-day/

August is Antiterrorism Month, which is designed to raise awareness not only of the threat of terrorism, but also to encourage regular vigilance and communication to report potential threats. Throughout the month there is a series of articles highlighting key points for increased awareness of goals, objectives, and measures.

What Activities Do I Report?

• People drawing or measuring important buildings.
• Strangers asking questions about security forces or security procedures.
• A briefcase, suitcase, backpack, or package left behind.
• Cars or trucks left in “No Parking” zones in front of important buildings.
• Intruders found in secure areas.
• A person wearing clothes that are too big and bulky and/or too hot for the weather.
• Chemical smells or fumes that worry you.
• Questions about sensitive information, such as building blueprints, security plans or VIP travel schedules without a right or need to know.
• Purchasing supplies or equipment that can be used to make bombs or weapons or purchasing uniforms without having the proper credentials.

“If you see something, say something” is common theme among the many agencies and websites when it comes to terrorism awareness, and that is being strongly emphasized in August. The Defense Logistics Agency official site reminds its’ readers, “Trust your instincts; if a behavior or activity makes you feel uncomfortable, REPORT IT.”

What kinds of behavior does DLA mean? “People drawing or measuring important buildings” and “Strangers asking questions about security forces or security procedures” are two of the top indicators to be wary of, but also included in the DLA list:

“An unattended briefcase, suitcase, backpack, or package…Cars or trucks left in No Parking zones in front of important buildings…Intruders found in secure areas…A person wearing clothes that are too big and bulky and/or too hot for the weather. Chemical smells or fumes that worry you …A person who is asking questions about sensitive information such as building blueprints, security plans, or VIP schedules without a right or need to know…”



These reminders may sound familiar; they are the same types of things posted in airports, train stations, bus terminals, and other places of mass gatherings.

Source: Click here

Upcoming Events

To learn more about resources for veterans, please visit any of the following links:

• Air Force Sergeants Association, Elmer Andrews Chapter 564
• Charles Carr - Rolling Thunder Inc. Chapter 6.

Mailing Address: 5914 N.W. Bayou Court. Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34986

• Daughters of the American Revolution, Saint Lucie River Chapter
• Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Mary Edwards Walker Tent 12
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 113
• Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association
• Korean War Veterans Chapter 106
• Marine Corp League Jack Ivy Detachment 666

VA established this registry in 2014 to put data to work for Veterans and help us better understand the potential health effects of exposure to airborne hazards during military service. By joining the registry, you can provide information that will help VA provide better care to all Veterans. To learn more, click the button below.

File a claim in any of these ways:

• File a claim online at VA.gov
• Get help from an accredited representative, like a Veterans service officer (VSO)
• Get help at a VA regional office

Indian River State College and the Office of U.S. Congressman Brian Mast announced Operation Sacred Legacy, an effort to provide as many local veteran interviews as possible for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. 

To learn more, click the button below.

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Please email me at David.Pickett@cityofpsl.com or call me

at 772-871-5159 with your comments or questions.



Sincerely,

David Pickett, District 2 Councilman