While National Purple Heart Day is formally observed each year on August 7, a local veterans organization is working to ensure that recognition for those wounded or killed in combat continues throughout the entire month.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 598, based in the Coastal Bend, is hosting a month-long series of commemorative events, including ceremonies, community gatherings and a physical fitness tribute, all honoring recipients of the Purple Heart medal.
“One of the ways that you earn the Purple Heart is by being killed in action,” said Skyler Barker, commander of MOPH Chapter 598. “And there are some people that walked away with visible scars, loss of limbs.”…