Combat-Wounded Veterans To Be Honored At Public Ceremony In SMC

REDWOOD CITY, CA — San Mateo County will hold its first Purple Heart Day flag-raising ceremony Friday, inviting the public to honor military service members who were wounded or killed in combat.

“More than two centuries after George Washington created what became the Purple Heart, the medal remains one of our nation’s most meaningful symbols of courage and sacrifice,” said Ray Mueller, a San Mateo County supervisor. "Behind every Purple Heart is a service member whose life was forever changed in defense of our country."

The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. near the flag poles at County Center, 500 County Center in Redwood City.

Purple Heart recipients are expected to attend alongside county officials and community members, and the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard will participate.

The event comes ahead of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors' expected Aug. 11 proclamation recognizing Purple Heart Day. The proclamation is being co-sponsored by Mueller and Supervisor Lisa Gauthier.

“Purple Heart recipients are our neighbors, friends and community members,” Gauthier said. "This ceremony is an opportunity for us to recognize all Purple Heart recipients, honor their stories and express our gratitude to these remarkable individuals and their families."

The Purple Heart traces its origins to the Badge of Military Merit, established by George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782.

Today, the medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action.