San Mateo County will honor veterans wounded or killed in combat with its first-ever Purple Heart Day flag-raising ceremony Friday, Aug. 7, at 1 p.m. at County Center in Redwood City.
Purple Heart recipients from across the county, including San Mateo and surrounding communities, are expected to attend the ceremony in person, according to a county announcement. The event will include a San Mateo County Sheriff's Office honor guard presentation.
The ceremony is open to the public.
Supervisors Ray Mueller and Lisa Gauthier co-sponsored the event. Mueller, who represents District 3 and serves as vice president of the Board of Supervisors, called the Purple Heart one of the nation's most meaningful symbols of courage and sacrifice.
"Behind every Purple Heart is a service member whose life was forever changed in defense of our country," Mueller said. "On Purple Heart Day, we honor their service, recognize their sacrifices and affirm our commitment to ensuring their stories are never forgotten."
Gauthier, who represents District 4, said the ceremony gives the county a chance to recognize recipients whose sacrifices aren't always visible. She noted that Purple Heart recipients are neighbors, friends and community members who carry both seen and unseen challenges from their service.
The Aug. 7 date carries historical weight. On that day in 1782, General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit in Newburgh, New York. That decoration became the Purple Heart, which was revived in its modern form in 1932. More than 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been awarded since then.
Following the flag-raising, the Board of Supervisors is expected to issue a formal proclamation recognizing Purple Heart Day in San Mateo County at its Tuesday, Aug. 11 meeting.
The ceremony takes place near the flag poles at 500 County Center, Redwood City. Media inquiries can be directed to Supervisor Mueller's office at 650-363-4569 or Supervisor Gauthier's office at 650-363-4570.
Upcoming
- Friday, Aug. 7, 1 p.m.: Purple Heart Day flag-raising ceremony, County Center, 500 County Center, Redwood City. Open to the public.
- Tuesday, Aug. 11: Board of Supervisors expected proclamation recognizing Purple Heart Day, regular meeting.
