The Purple Heart Cane Project will hold its annual presentation ceremony at the Navy UDT/SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce on January 17, beginning at 1 p.m. Hand-carved and personalized canes will be presented to 58 combat-wounded recipients of the Purple Heart Medal or Gold Star families from 15 states. The public is welcome to attend.
The Purple Heart medal was originally instituted by George Washington and awarded to soldiers for valor in combat. It was re-instituted in World War II and awarded retroactively to World War I veterans.
The keynote speaker will be Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia. Retired Master Chief Rick Kaiser of SEAL Team 6 of the Navy UDT/SEAL Museum will also address the recipients…