Governor proclaims August 7th as Purple Heart Day

Today is Purple Heart Day in Nebraska!

A group of recipients and their families gathered at the capitol building for a special ceremony.

Purple Hearts are awarded to veterans who are wounded or killed while serving.

Veterans present at the ceremony say being honored together made today a memorable one.

"It means a lot to me, it means a lot to everybody who was in the room today," said Greg Holloway, a Vietnam War veteran and two time Purple Heart recipient.

Governor Pete Ricketts hosted a proclamation ceremony at the state capitol building to honor Nebraska veterans who are members of the military order of the purple heart.

The purple heart medal is the oldest designation still being presented to military members.

It was started by general George Washington in 1782.

"As today we pause and reflect on your service, let’s also pause and reflect and say thank you, to all of those who have earned the purple heart and who are members of the military order of the purple heart," said John Hilgert, Director of Veteran Affairs.

Governor Ricketts encouraged Nebraskans to say thank you to our veterans for their sacrifices.

As a continuation of the afternoon ceremony, the Nebraska State Capitol building will be lit up in purple tonight to honor Purple Heart families in Nebraska.