WHEREAS, the origin of the Purple Heart was established 241 years ago, on August 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War when General George Washington issued an order establishing the Honorary Badge of Distinction or Badge of Military Merit, which we recognize today as the Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, the Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to U.S. Armed Forces members who have been wounded or held as a prisoner of war by an enemy force while serving in conflict, or awarded to the next of kin for servicemembers killed in conflict by an enemy force; and

WHEREAS, Nevada is the 'Battle Born' state and its citizens have selflessly accepted the responsibility to protect and defend our nation, the democratic principles it was founded upon, and the lives and liberties of men, women and children around the world; and

WHEREAS, Nevada honors and recognizes the Purple Heart as a solemn distinction of servicemembers who greatly sacrificed themselves or paid the ultimate price for our country, not forgetting warriors of yesterday or those still to come;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim August 7,2023 as

PURPLE HEART DAY IN NEVADA