Key Takeaways:
- Historic Tribute at the White House: Nearly 100 Purple Heart recipients gathered in the East Room as President Trump honored their service and sacrifice, including veterans who gifted Trump their medals after his 2024 assassination attempt.
- National Purple Heart Day Proclaimed: Trump signed a proclamation officially designating August 7 as National Purple Heart Day, commemorating the nation’s oldest military decoration, first established by George Washington in 1782.
- Personal Stories of Bravery Spotlighted: From battlefield rescues in Afghanistan to heroism in Iraq and Vietnam, Trump highlighted individual acts of courage—underscoring his commitment to honoring America’s warriors and keeping their legacy alive.
President Donald Trump turned the East Room of the White House into a living monument of American valor this week, hosting nearly 100 Purple Heart recipients in a powerful tribute to the men and women wounded in combat. The event wasn’t just ceremonial—it was personal. Several honorees, including veterans Thomas Matteo, Gerald Enter Jr., and John Ford, had gifted their own Purple Hearts to Trump last year after he survived the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“Gerald, John and Thomas, I want to thank you very much,” Trump told them. “What a great honor to get those Purple Hearts. I guess in a certain way, it wasn’t that easy for me either, when you think of it, but you went through a lot more than I did.”
The ceremony coincided with Trump signing a proclamation declaring August 7 as National Purple Heart Day—a recognition of America’s oldest military decoration, first awarded under George Washington in 1782. Honorees included Chris LaCivita, Trump’s 2024 campaign manager and a Gulf War Purple Heart recipient, as well as a rare father-son duo, Kevin and Brian Willette, both wounded in Afghanistan.
Trump spotlighted individual acts of heroism, such as Kevin Jensen pulling Capt. Sam Brown from a burning Humvee in Afghanistan. Brown, himself a Purple Heart recipient, now serves as Trump’s under secretary for memorial affairs.
“Every Purple Heart tells a story of courage, sacrifice and purpose,” Trump said. “It speaks of a price paid for the soldier beside you, the country behind you and the generations of Americans yet to come.”
More than 1.8 million Americans have earned the Purple Heart since its revival in 1932. Trump vowed their sacrifices would never be forgotten—underscoring his America First promise to honor those who defend it.
As Trump put it: “We will always use them as an example of bravery and courage and strength.” That’s leadership grounded in gratitude—and a reminder that real strength isn’t found in Washington’s bureaucracy, but on the battlefield.