Press Release: Community Rally Will Salute Purple Heart Recipients from Across the Nation

Public “Welcome Home” Rally to Be Held at 7:00pm on Thursday, September 21

 

U.S. Army General David Perkins, Former Commander of the First Unit to Enter Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom to Deliver Keynote Address

(NEWBURGH, NY) – Purple Heart heroes from across the America will be greeted with a star-spangled welcome home at a public rally in Newburgh that will serve as the capstone event for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission’s 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project.

The rally is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, September 30 at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.

The FREE community rally will feature performances by Sergeant Major MaryKay Messenger and the Newburgh Free Academy Band. Those wishing to attend the rally can RSVP with a message of support and thanks to our Purple Heart heroes by visiting https://www.purpleheartmission.org/events.

The rally will feature keynote remarks by U.S. Army General David Perkins (Ret.).

Gen. Perkins was the Commander of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq – commonly known as “Thunder Run.” Originally from New Hampshire, and a 1980 graduate of the United States Military Academy, General Perkins served multiple tours in Europe and the Middle East.  He commanded units in a series of Joint and Multi-National operations including UN missions. He was decorated numerous times for his service including the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest award for valor in combat, and the Army Distinguished Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Army’s second highest award for valor.

A multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded, the Purple Heart Patriot Project provides wounded-warriors with an all-expenses-paid trip includes visits to historic sites in the City of New York, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, historic Washington’s Headquarters, a special tour of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and other tributes to service.

“These amazing men and women are the very best of our nation and true American heroes,” said Richie Lay, a Purple Heart recipient and Chairman of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission Board of Directors. “Across generation and around the globe, this year’s Patriot Project honorees have defended freedom and liberty. Our nation’s Purple Heart veterans have given body and blood defending us, and that sacrifice must always be remembered. We are privileged to be able to provide this unique salute to service to our heroes.”

“For generations, American have answered the call of our nation and made enormous sacrifices for our country and its people. This is an opportunity for the Hudson Valley and all Americans to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of a grateful nation to those men and women who bear the scars of war. For some, especially our Vietnam veterans, this will be the homecoming they never had,” said Col. Russ Vernon (Ret.), Executive Director for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.

This year’s Patriot Project honorees include both men and women, all branches of the service and range in age from 37 to 100. Among this year’s distinguished honorees is U.S. Army veteran Robert Senter, who received two Purple Hearts while serving in European Theatre during World War II. Another honoree is, George Stavropoulos of Indiana, a Navy hospital corpsman attached to the 1st battalion 9th Marines in Vietnam in 1967. During heavy fighting Stavropoulos continued to provide medical care to other soldiers despite his own wounds. He was awarded a Silver Star for valor and his second, third and fourth Purple Hearts. Stavropoulos went on to serve as a policeman and private investigator.

Those wishing to learn more about the National Purple Heart Honor Mission or donate to support the Purple Heart Patriot Project should visit www.PurpleHeartMission.org.

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