Governor Ivey Proclaims Purple Heart Day
August 7-Purple Heart Day-honors those who have been wounded or died in battle
Governor Kay Ivey has proclaimed Thursday, August 7 as Purple Heart Day in Alabama.
In a post on social media, the Governor said:
“I am proud to once again proclaim Purple Heart Day in Alabama.
“Any man or woman who has earned the Purple Heart is a true American hero — someone who put service above self and paid a heavy price for our freedoms.
”Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The Governor’s proclamation is just one way our nation honors our wounded and killed in battle, on every August 7.
The award itself—older than any other U.S. military medal—started back in 1782 as the “Badge of Military Merit” by General George Washington.
Over time, the medal you see today—the purple heart with Washington’s profile—was redesigned and re‑instituted in 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur.
Of the many Alabamians who’ve been awarded the Purple Heart, some of the more prominent include:
Sidney E. Manning of , who served in World War I. He fought fiercely, was wounded nine times while protecting his men, and was later awarded both the Medal of Honor and a Purple Heart.
Howell T. Heflin, better known to some as a U.S. Senator, served in the Marines during World War II. He was wounded in battle—twice—and received two Purple Hearts along with a Silver Star.
Robert L. Howard, one of the most decorated soldiers of the Vietnam War, hailed from Opelika. He earned not only the Medal of Honor but a staggering eight Purple Hearts over his long career.
Julius Ellsberry from Birmingham was the first Alabamian killed at Pearl Harbor. He was awarded a Purple Heart posthumously, marking his ultimate sacrifice.
And just this spring, Sergeant John W. McCulloch of Madison County—wounded by an IED in Iraq back in 2007—finally received his long‑overdue Purple Heart, thanks to Congressman Dale Strong stepping in to help.
