IOWA GOLD STAR MILITARY MUSEUM TO HOST ‘PURPLE HEART DAY: CELEBRATING IOWA VETERANS’
This sign post is on display at the Gold Star Museum pointing the way home for Iowan’s who have been deployed overseas. (file photo)
The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, located at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, will host “Purple Heart Day: Celebrating Iowa Veterans,” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10. A brief ceremony begins at 11 a.m., followed by a complimentary lunch and museum tours. As always, the public and media are welcome to attend this event.
The Purple Heart is a combat decoration awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States who are wounded by enemy forces during combat operations on or after April 5, 1917. Originally established in 1782 as the “Badge of Merit” by Gen. George Washington to recognize bravery and fidelity of Revolutionary War Soldiers, the Purple Heart is one of the oldest military awards given to members of the U.S. military.
Guest speakers include: author Tony Powers, former WHO Radio and TV broadcaster and Vietnam War Purple Heart recipient; Matt Harvey, director of the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center; and Mary Ellen White, a nurse who served at Long Binh, Vietnam in 1967. U.S. Navy Cdr. (ret.) Larry Spencer, a former Vietnam prisoner of war and Purple Heart recipient, will emcee the event.
Lunch is provided by the Iowa Pork Producers and Fareway Stores.
