National Purple Heart Day is Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Schenectady County will light up bridges and buildings in purple on Wednesday 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.
“In honor of National Purple Heart Day, Schenectady County will light up in purple to show our support for those who served in our military and were injured or lost their lives while serving,” said Schenectady County Legislator Holly Vellano, Chair of the Military Affairs & Veterans Committee. “As a Purple Heart Community, we are proud to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by our brave service members.”
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.[1]
With over 7,200 veterans calling Schenectady County home, we recognize the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by those who have served our nation. The County is committed to providing services to our veterans, to ensure they receive the support, resources, and recognition they deserve.
Veterans Service Agency
Our Veteran Service Agency provides comprehensive assistance to veterans, guiding them through the Department of Veterans Affairs and advising them on available benefits tailored to their service. From aiding in benefit applications to addressing queries and tracking claims through the VA system, the VSA works to help veterans receive the support they deserve.
https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/veterans
Veterans Peer-to-Peer Network
Discover Schenectady County's PFC Joseph Dwyer program, a local initiative committed to offering peer support to our veteran community. Collaborating with various local organizations and programs, the Dwyer program ensures accessibility by meeting veterans where they are. Through hosting meetings and organizing activities, this program welcomes individuals who have served, irrespective of their veteran status, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/vetpeernetwork
Honor A Veteran Program
The Honor-A-Veteran program is a collaboration between Schenectady County’s Veterans Service Agency and the County’s Honor-A-Veteran Committee to honor veterans who were either born in or currently reside in Schenectady County.
https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/veterans