Maine Veterans Presented with Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Award

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 07, 2012 

Contact: Adrienne Bennett (207) 287-2531 

 

 

Maine Veterans Presented with Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Award

Governor Proclaims August 7th, 2012 as Purple Heart Day

 

First Lady Ann LePage (left) and Acting Adjutant General Col. James Campbell (right) present the
Silver Star Honorable Service Medal to veteran and Purple Heart recipient Bruce W. Carroll (center), who served in Europe during WWII 

 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul LePage met in the Hall of Flags with approximately 30 Maine Veterans today to honor them with the Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medal. The Governor was joined by First Lady LePage, Maine’s Acting Adjutant General Colonel James Campbell, and Director of Veterans’ Services Peter Ogden.

This award is presented by the State of Maine as recognition of members of the Armed Forces that were authorized the Purple Heart for wounds received while serving in a combat theater. Since September 11, 2001, Purple Heart awards have been given to 338 Maine veterans.

“To the veterans we honor today, your sacrifices led our grateful nation to present each of you with a Purple Heart. It sets you apart for what you have given in defense of freedom,” said Governor LePage. “Whether on the battlefields of World War II, The Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other conflict, you have served honorably.”

In conjunction with National Purple Heart Day, Governor LePage issued a proclamation declaring Purple Heart Day in Maine. To honor this day, ceremonies took place in the Hall of Flags as well as 5 Maine Veterans Homes across the state in Caribou, Bangor, Machias, South Paris, and Scarborough. Statewide, nearly 80 Silver Star Honorable Service Medals were awarded to Maine veterans who served in conflicts as far back as WWII.

As a military award, the Purple Heart traces its origins to the very first military award of the United States Armed Forces. In his General Orders to the Continental Army on August 7, 1782, General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, directing that “whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear…over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth.”

Maine also awards a Gold Star Honorable Service Medal to the families of Maine soldiers who were lost in combat operations.

“Your service reflects the highest traditions of Maine people, answering the nation’s call like few other states,” said Governor LePage. You are heroes in the truest sense of the word, and I am humbled to be a part of this ceremony.”

If you or anyone you know is deserving of this medal, call Peter Ogden at (207) 430-6034, or find your local Maine Veterans’ Services Office at: http://www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs/offices.htm

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