AUGUST 7, 2025 – In commemoration of Purple Heart Day, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Sean Parnell, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs and senior advisor, recorded a video message yesterday at the Pentagon.
The nation will never forget the heroism of those awarded the Purple Heart, Hegseth said. “We strive to possess their courage.”
The Purple Heart is awarded to service members who were wounded or killed by an instrument of war in the hands of an enemy or while prisoners of war. More than 1.8 million service members have received this award.
“We are grateful for their selfless service,” Hegseth said.
Parnell, a combat veteran, received a Purple Heart and two Bronze Star Medals while serving in Afghanistan.
Recipients “put their bodies and souls on the line for this great country,” he said.
They turned fear into fortitude and chaos into courage, Parnell said.
“They are the best among us because they inspire the best within us,” he said.
Learn more about the history of the Purple Heart here.
By David Vergun
DOD News