Baldwin County proclaims Aug. 7 National Purple Heart Day, honors combat-wounded veterans

The Baldwin County Commission proclaimed Aug. 7, 2025, as National Purple Heart Day and recognized combat-wounded veterans during a presentation at its regular meeting.

Commissioners approved a proclamation that sets aside Aug. 7 as National Purple Heart Day in Baldwin County, "to encourage all the citizens of Baldwin County to learn about the history of the Purple Heart and to honor the members of the armed forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart," the proclamation says. A motion to adopt the proclamation carried by voice vote.

"The Purple Heart was originally conceived by General George Washington as the original badge for military merit," said Andrew, state commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart and commander of the Baldwin County and Mobile chapters, in remarks to the commission. "Today we have the honor and privilege of recognizing the sacrifice and blood that our nation has paid repeatedly for our freedom."

Andrew outlined the award's origins in 1782 and its revival in 1932, and he described the Military Order of the Purple Heart as a congressionally chartered veterans organization for combat-wounded veterans. "Shortly after General MacArthur's institution of the Purple Heart for the awards received in combat, the Military Order of the Purple Heart was established... It is the only veteran service organization of its type congressionally chartered for combat wounded veterans," he said.

County commissioners and others thanked the veterans and Gold Star families present and noted county observances, including designated Purple Heart parking spaces at county facilities. Commissioners moved to enter the proclamation into the meeting minutes following the presentation.

No substantive policy or spending decisions were tied to the proclamation; it is a ceremonial recognition entered into the commission record.