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Commemorating Purple Heart Day 2018

Graphic of Purple Heart medal
Source: Office of the Congresswoman

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Aumua Amata commemorated Purple Heart Day 2018 and released the following statement on Tuesday:

“Purple Heart Day is a time to say ‘thank you’ to our veterans and service members, past and present, who have received a Purple Heart Medal. On this day in 1782, General George Washington created the Purple Heart Medal to specially recognize very select members of our Armed Forces, only those who are wounded or killed in the service of our country. The nation has honored these heroes with the Purple Heart for more than two centuries since. Each one of these brave patriots made their sacrifice in the worthy cause of freedom, and today is another way to honor them.

“Congress is working to keep the nation’s important commitments to our veterans and all those serving in our Armed Forces. Specifically, recent actions include actively reforming the VA to serve individual needs better, raising pay levels for our troops, and increasing the overall strength of our Armed Forces. The U.S. decision to boost troop strength by 20,000 adds opportunities for our American Samoan youth, whether they consider choosing a career path in the Armed Forces, or to serve one stint for several years as they get started in life. Our nation has a lifelong responsibility to our veterans, now and in the future, and we must always make them a priority in policy decisions.

“This day, and every day, is a good day to thank a veteran for their service!”