Durham, N.C. – Durham County Veteran Services Department will commemorate Purple Heart Month 2024 with events aimed at recognizing and honoring the courage and sacrifice of Purple Heart recipients residing in Durham County. These events are dedicated to celebrating the bravery of these distinguished veterans and identifying more Purple Heart recipients within our community.
On Monday, August 12, 2024, during the Durham County Board of County Commissioners’ Regular Session Meeting, a proclamation recognizing August 2024 as Purple Heart Month in Durham County will be presented. This proclamation will highlight the valor of those awarded the Purple Heart, a distinction given to military personnel who were injured or killed in service to our Country. The community is invited to join in honoring these veterans during the presentation of this proclamation. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and will be held inside the Commissioners’ Chambers, located on the second floor of the Administration I Building, 200 E. Main Street.
On Thursday, August 22, Durham County Veteran Services Department will host a tea exclusively for Purple Heart veterans, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., in their office suite located inside the Human Services Building, 414 E. Main Street. This special event will offer an opportunity for these veterans to connect, share their stories, be celebrated for their service and sacrifice, and learn from Veteran Services staff about potential benefits they may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“During Purple Heart Month, we want to honor the brave souls who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” Durham County Veteran Services Director Lois Harvin-Ravin, aptly puts it. “Their wounds are the price of our freedom. Durham County seeks to recognize and honor those distinguished as Purple Heart recipients. We are committed to ensuring that every Purple Heart recipient, veteran, and eligible families residing in Durham County receive the benefits they are entitled. Our mission is to both acknowledge their sacrifice and continuously improve the support we offer.”
Currently, there are nine known Purple Heart recipients residing in Durham County. Veteran Services is seeking to identify and honor more individuals who have received this prestigious honor. If you are or know of, a Purple Heart recipient residing in Durham County, contact Durham County Veteran Services by phone at 919-560-8387 or email veteranservices@dconc.gov.
For more information about these events in observance of Purple Heart Month, call 919-560-8387 or email veteranservices@dconc.gov.
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