National Purple Heart Day, 2026

( printed page 51989) Proclamation 11053 of August 6, 2026 National Purple Heart Day, 2026 A Proclamation On National Purple Heart Day, we honor the immeasurable sacrifices of every valiant service member wounded or killed in combat in defense of our Nation and we reaffirm our eternal gratitude for their unrivaled heroism. First bestowed by General George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart stands as our Nation's oldest military decoration, reserved for those wounded or fallen in defense of our country. From the battlefields of our Revolution to the deserts and mountains of the War on Terror and across every conflict far and wide, its recipients have displayed valor beyond measure. Sustained by an abiding love of liberty and unfailing devotion to country, Purple Heart recipients endured grievous wounds and withstood the horrors of battle, and some even paid the ultimate price to preserve our freedom. The gallantry reflected in the purple fabric on their chest is forever woven into the red, white, and blue thread of our shared American story, and their service remains a solemn reminder of the immense cost of freedom and the sacred responsibility borne by those who wear our Nation's uniform. While we can never fully repay the recipients of this hallowed medal, we are honoring their sacrifice by ensuring America remains the greatest beacon of freedom on Earth. My Administration has swiftly rebuilt our military into the strongest and most lethal fighting force in the world, restoring pride in military service and achieving record recruitment numbers. We are supporting our veterans beyond the battlefield by strengthening the Department of Veterans Affairs, eliminating bureaucratic waste and slashing its processing backlog by more than 74 percent since I returned to office. We are opening new veteran health clinics, fighting to eradicate veteran homelessness, and providing financial relief to senior veterans by ending taxes on Social Security. Under my leadership, our commitment to America's veterans is absolute, and we will always protect the freedoms they secured. As we continue to celebrate 250 years since the founding of our great country, we recognize that the Independence we cherish today was secured by the blood, sweat, and tears of the men and women who answered the call to defend it. Today, and every day, we salute our American warriors who bear the Purple Heart and whose courage carried forward the enduring blessings of freedom. We recognize the families who share in their sacrifices. Above all, we pledge to never forget their service and to forever honor their indelible legacy. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 7, 2026, as National Purple Heart Day. I call on all Americans to observe this day by honoring the courage and sacrifice of our Purple Heart recipients and expressing gratitude to our veterans. ( printed page 51990) IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first. [ FR Doc. 2026-16401 Filed 8-10-26; 11:15 am] Billing code 3395-F4-P