National Purple Heart Day at the Virginia War Memorial
Join us as we commemorate National Purple Heart Day.
This year’s theme, “Sacred Honor: From Washington to Today,” honors the legacy of America’s oldest military decoration—the Purple Heart—and traces its origins from General George Washington’s leadership to its modern embodiment in those wounded or killed in service to our nation.
The ceremony will formally introduce the concept of Sacred Honor as a defining American value—rooted in our founding documents and lived today by our nation’s combat-wounded veterans.
Program Highlights Include:
- Remarks by Ben King, Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Virginia & Operations Director, Virginia War Memorial
- Reading of the Governor’s Proclamation
- Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence
- On-site activation of the Augmented Reality Purple Heart experience
- Launch of a statewide public messaging campaign on Sacred Honor
Purple Heart recipients and their families, as well as members of the military, veterans, students, and citizens of all ages are encouraged to attend.
Come stand with us as we honor sacrifice, resilience, and leadership—and affirm Virginia’s role in keeping the flame of remembrance alive.
This event and parking is free and open to the public.
