Governor Landry presents Purple Hearts to two service members during Senate ceremony

Governor Landry presented Purple Heart medals to Sergeant Matthew Bean and Corporal Daniel Nacke during a ceremony held in the Senate chamber on the floor of the Senate. The awards were announced as having been given "for wounds received in action in the global war on terrorism" and were signed "on behalf of President Donald J. Trump," the reading in the chamber said.

The medal’s history and criteria were summarized during the presentation. Dr. Jerome Buller, deputy secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, noted that the original Purple Heart was established by General George Washington on 08/07/1782 and described the decoration as being awarded to those "wounded or killed as the direct or indirect result of enemy action" and requiring treatment by a medical officer at the time of injury.

In remarks on the chamber floor, Governor Landry thanked Senate leadership and family members in attendance and said he hoped the award would be given less rather than more. "It has been an honor for me to pin that award on you in front of all of these distinguished senators and representatives," Landry said. He added the state and nation "shall never forget the sacrifices" made by those who serve.

The ceremony included a pledge of allegiance and the formal reading that certified the awards. Retired Sergeant First Class McGinnis and other military and state officials joined in presenting the medals and escorting the recipients during the ceremony. Attendees included members of the Senate, members of the House of Representatives, Supreme Court members, and other elected and military officials, who were recognized during remarks introducing the ceremony.

The presentation was followed by photographs and short logistical announcements from chamber staff as the session resumed reading bills later in the day.