The ceremony will feature keynote speakers Lt. Col. John Haas, Florida Army National Guard; and Lee Brown, State of Florida Military Order of the Purple Heart and senior vice-commander.

 

During the ceremony, family members of those who have recently received Purple Hearts will also be honored.

 

Following the event, all attendees are invited to go for a walk on the ceremonial Purple Heart Trail. This quarter-mile walk, decorated by Navy wives, will begin at the Veterans Memorial Wall and end at the Veterans Memorial Arena. All those who have been awarded the Purple Heart are especially encouraged to attend and be recognized. 

 

Parking is free at the wall and restrooms will be available at the Veterans Memorial Arena.‪

 

For additional information, contact Harrison Conyers in the city’s Military Affairs, Veterans and Disabled Services Division at (904) 630-3621 or hconyers@coj.net.

 

The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy, and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration. The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by then commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, George Washington, on August 7, 1782.