National Purple Heart Day is Monday, August 7, 2023
Schenectady County will light up bridges and buildings in purple on Monday to honor Purple Heart recipients on National Purple Heart Day. Key Hall, the Schenectady Municipal Parking Garage, the Erie Boulevard and State Street bridges are just a few of the downtown structures that will be lit up in purple to honor the men and women who were wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military.
“National Purple Heart Day serves as a solemn reminder of the brave servicemembers who have shed their blood for our freedom,” said Schenectady County Legislator Holly Vellano, Chair of the Military Affairs & Veterans Committee. “Schenectady County will light up in purple to honor those who were injured or lost their lives while serving our country.”
Veterans in Schenectady County
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 8,238 veterans living in Schenectady County, or about 5.1 percent of the population.[1]
Purple Heart Community
Schenectady County became a Purple Heart Community in 2021. The Purple Heart Community designation honors the service and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform who were wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration still presented to service members. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor estimates that 1.8 million Purple Heart Medals have been issued since it was re-established in 1932.[2]
[1] https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/schenectadycountynewyork/PST045222
[2] https://www.thepurpleheart.com/, History and FAQs