President Donald Trump on Thursday honored recipients of the esteemed Purple Heart during a special ceremony in the East Room of the White House, thanking them for their courage and looking to a bright future.
“We’re here to honor and celebrate the unyielding patriotism and grit and devotion to America’s Purple Heart veterans,” he said. “…The Purple Heart dates back to August 7, 1782…when General Washington awarded a heart-shaped purple cloth to three soldiers for outstanding gallantry and service in battle.”
The president was joined by members of his cabinet, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and several others.
Most importantly, the room was filled with many Purple Heart recipients.
“Today, we give our everlasting thanks to you and your unbelievable families,” Trump said.
Thursday’s ceremony also marked the 200th day of Trump’s second term, which he briefly highlighted. “We have a country that’s the hottest country right now anywhere in the world…perhaps the most consequential first 200 days of a new administration in history,” he remarked.
On the subject of Purple Hearts, Trump talked about the storied history of the meaningful award for America’s most incredible military heroes.
“Every Purple Heart tells a story of courage, sacrifice, and purpose,” he said. “It speaks of a price paid for the soldier beside you, the country behind you, and the generations of Americans yet to come.”
The president continued, “Those who wear this medal ran into bullets, faced ferocious bombs, and shed their blood on the field of battle. We will never forget what they did, we will always use them as an example of bravery and courage and strength…we will always think, when we look at them, of our great American flag.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Trump signed an official proclamation declaring August 7 as National Purple Heart Day.