Do you know anyone who has ever received a Purple Heart?

Today is Memorial Day. It's the official start of summer and for many is synonmous with cookouts, shopping, and hanging out the beach or pool. But Memorial Day used to be a sacred day that was reserved for the remembrance of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

The Purple Heart is a U.S. military medal awarded to those wounded in combat and last week the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner began a nationwide search for Purple Heart medal recipients to share stories to be included in exhibits at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor museum located at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site in Vails Gate, New York. The facility will honor Purple Heart medal recipients, veterans who were wounded or killed while serving their country.

More information, including the contact info where you can submit your stories or other artifacts is available here.

Happy Memorial Day and thank you to all the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve as I type. Bless you all.