State of South Carolina Governor’s Proclamation
WHEREAS, created by General George Washington in 1782, the Order of the Purple Heart for Military Merit is the oldest military decoration in the United States in present use; and
WHEREAS, the Order of the Purple Heart for Military Merit recognizes the outstanding valor and fidelity of members of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded by an enemy while fighting bravely to preserve and protect our nation’s most cherished freedoms; and
WHEREAS, as a congressionally-chartered national service veterans organization, the Military Order of the Purple Heart is committed to funding veterans services, welfare, rehabilitation, and educational programs while upholding the proud legacy of courage and honor exhibited by combat-wounded veterans; and
WHEREAS, in special recognition of the lasting debt of gratitude we owe the brave men and women who have risked their lives to protect our way of life, the Military Order of the Purple Heart annually distributes simulated versions of its official flower, the Purple Heart Viola, that are assembled by veterans with disabilities and financial needs in an effort to raise funds for veterans services.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Nikki R. Haley, Governor of the great State of South Carolina, do hereby proclaim August 7-14, 2016, as VIOLA WEEK and August 7, 2016, as PURPLE HEART RECOGNITION DAY throughout the state and encourage all South Carolinians to recognize and pay tribute to combat-wounded veterans across the Palmetto State and the nation for their selfless contributions in defense of freedom and democracy. Nikki R. Haley, Governor, State of South Carolina.