August 7th was recognized as Purple Hearts Day, and Veterans and guests from the mid-Ohio Valley gathered at the Gold Star Park in Marietta to unveil the Purple Heart Monument. The Jan Dils team showed our support on this day and dedicated it to the men and women who were wounded or lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
Our team attended the ceremony to listen to a special Guest Speaker, Vietnam Combat Medic, Medal of Honor, and Purple Heart Recipient, James “Doc” McCloughan. McCloughan received his Medal of Honor in 2017 after saving 11 men in Vietnam as a combat medic. His inspirational story is the epitome of why we celebrate Purple Hearts Day because of his acts of bravery to save the lives of other people. This statue is a way to honor both those Veterans who are still alive and the ones who are no longer with us.
The Purple Heart is a revered military honor that is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, symbolizing sacrifice, courage, and dedication to the nation. This monument not only recognizes the recipients of the Purple Heart but also ensures that their stories are remembered for future generations.
This dedication of the Purple Heart Monument is only the beginning. We must continue to support Veterans and their families to ensure they receive the care and recognition they deserve. There are many ways we can show our appreciation such as attending events like this and supporting Veterans’ organizations.
When reflecting on the significance of the monument and hearing stories like James McCloughan’s, we can remember the freedoms that we enjoy today which were protected by those who have served our country.
To learn more about Jan Dils community involvement, follow our Facebook and LinkedIn pages where we post up-to-date information. You can also contact our Veterans disability lawyers if you need help applying for VA benefits.