City Of Tampa Honors National Purple Heart Day

City of Tampa news release:

TAMPA, FL — On Friday, Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, City staff, and veteran organizations from across the Tampa Bay gathered outside Old City Hall for a flag-raising ceremony in recognition of National Purple Heart Day.

The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the president of the United States to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who was wounded, killed, or has died after being wounded by enemy action. National Purple Heart Day is on Sunday, August 7. This national day of remembrance honors men and women who served within the military and received the Purple Heart for their bravery and sacrifice.

"National Purple Heart Day is an important day here in Tampa because we are a strong military community," Mayor Jane Castor said. "We are proud to be home to MacDill Air Force Base and are forever grateful for the men and women serving our nation around the world--especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms."

The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. on Friday at Tampa City Hall, 315 E. Kennedy Boulevard, on the corner of Kennedy Boulevard and Franklin Street.

Old City Hall, along with downtown park facilities and bridges, will also shine purple from Aug. 5-7 in honor of Purple Heart recipients beginning at sunset.