NEWBURGH- The nation’s Purple Heart recipients were honored at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center Thursday evening as hundreds attended a rally.
Russ Vernon, the executive director of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, said it was fitting to hold the event in Newburgh where General George Washington awarded the first Badge of Military Merit, the predecessor to the Purple Heart.
“I take great pride in America and the American spirit and feel it’s important for each of us to a few moments of reflection from time to time to understand how fortunate we are to live in the United States of America,” he said. “This evening we are privileged to have Purple Heart recipients from across our nation.”
Vernon pointed to “two incredible veterans whose legacies are reflected in the event,” William Kaplan and the late Senator William Larkin.
The evening was full of tributes as the rally welcomed recipients from states across the nation complimented by a color guard and brass quintet from West Point.
