SCDVA Partners with City of Columbia to honor Purple Heart Veterans

COLUMBIA, SC - For the first time, the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs (SCDVA) and the City of Columbia joined together for a special joint proclamation presentation honoring Purple Heart Veterans for Purple Heart Viola Week. The recognition week starts on August 7th every year on National Purple Heart Day.

Local Veterans with the Department of South Carolina, Military Order of the Purple Heart came together at Columbia's Finlay Park, South Carolina's first Purple Heart Park. Both SCDVA Secretary Todd B. McCaffrey and Columbia Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann presented proclamations. "For every Purple Heart recipient present, it was a deeply humbling experience and an honor to be recognized," said Commander Harold Palmer, Department of South Carolina, Military Order of the Purple Heart. 

"South Carolina's combat-wounded service members represent the absolute highest measure of sacrifice and selfless service in defense of our nation," said SCDVA Secretary Todd B. McCaffrey. "Partnering with the City of Columbia allows us to pay proper tribute to these brave Veterans and kick off Purple Heart Viola Week. On behalf of Governor Henry McMaster and the State of South Carolina, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Military Order of the Purple Heart and all who carry the legacy of this solemn distinction."

“The City of Columbia is honored to partner with the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs to recognize Purple Heart recipients and their families on Purple Heart Day,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “The designation of Finlay Park as South Carolina’s first Purple Heart Park provides a meaningful place to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who have defended our nation. We are grateful for the opportunity to join with our Veteran community to ensure their sacrifices are remembered and honored for generations to come."

The Purple Heart is the nation’s oldest military decoration still awarded, originally established by General George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit. Purple Heart Viola Week highlights the distribution of the symbolic purple viola flower by the Military Order of the Purple Heart to raise awareness and support for wounded Veterans and their families.

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