Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
In conjunction with Purple-Heart Recipient Week, the Kosciusko County Commissioners will hold a short ceremony at the War Memorial on the southwest corner of the courthouse at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
The event was originally set for 9:30 a.m., however, a bid opening is scheduled at that time. According to County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell, military veteran Don Guard approached the commissioners about the event.
The public is invited to the ceremony.
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan established the first week in August as National Purple Heart Week.
The Purple Heart medal evolved from a Badge of Military Merit presented to three Revolutionary War soldiers by Gen. George Washington. It was not presented again until after World War I.
For the bicentennial of Washington's birth, Feb. 22, 1932, the medal was revised and became known as The Purple Heart.
The first Purple Heart was awarded to Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
The medal served two purposes from Dec. 7, 1941, to Sept. 22, 1943 - presented for wounds received in action against the enemy and for meritorious performance of duty.
When the Legion of Merit was established for meritorious service, the Purple Heart was discontinued for that reason.
Initially, the Purple Heart was a U.S. Army-only distinction. Today, all branches of the military award the medal.
