Military Order of the Purple Heart Honors America’s Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 13, 2017 -- On Saturday, November 11, the leadership of the Military Order of the Purple Heart paid homage to the Veterans of all generations at each of the War Memorials in Washington, DC to mark Veterans Day 2017,

L-R: Middleton, Sanchez, Van Ess, Swords

National Commander Neil Van Ess, Auxiliary President Gloria Sanchez, Senior Vice Commander Doug Middleton, and National Sergeant at Arms Ken Swords represented the Order at the National Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, where Vice President Pence laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and paid tribute to Veterans in a speech at the National Amphitheater.  Following the Vice President’s departure, Commander Van Ess and party laid a wreath at the Tomb on behalf of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Also on Veterans Day, Junior Vice Commander Felix Garcia, National Service Director Angelo Wider, National Adjutant Jack Leonard, and Legislative Director Aleks Morosky laid wreaths at the World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Memorials.  President Sanchez, National Judge Advocate Maureen Wood, and Chapter 2222 Chaplain Cornell Wood laid a wreath at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.

In his remarks to fellow Members of the Order, Commander Van Ess said, “This Veteran’s Day, I urge all Americans to pause and give thanks that you reside in the only nation in the world where you truly live free, enjoying the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Give thanks that throughout our Nation’s history, starting with the Revolutionary War and continuing throughout the 241 years since, that your freedoms have been defended and protected by America’s brave sons and daughters, of whom more than 665 thousand have given their lives, so that you might continue to enjoy the freedoms that many now take for granted.  When you pass a man or woman today, wearing a hat that says “Veteran,” take a moment to shake their hand and say “Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”  A Veteran is easy to spot in a crowd -- they are the ones who stand with pride at attention, and place a patriotic hand over their heart as the flag passes by, the National Anthem plays, or a bugle sounds TAPS in the distance.”

The "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat or by an act of international terrorism. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the Purple Heart Foundation, the MOPH and its Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance.  Programs of the MOPH include VA Volunteer Service, JROTC Leadership Awards, Scholarships, Suicide Awareness, Americanism, Purple Heart Trail and Cities, Welfare, and numerous community service programs, all with the objective of service to Veterans and their families. 

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c12623a4-5786-4ccc-bbee-843b630a11db

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d702c0db-c5ac-4358-b1ed-76ca6ef56931

John E. Bircher III
Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc.
352-753-5535
[email protected]