Overview
- President Trump convened the ceremony on August 7 in the White House East Room to recognize service members wounded or killed in combat.
- Thomas Matteo, Gerald Enter Jr., and John Ford—who mailed their Purple Heart medals to Trump after his right ear was grazed in July 2024—were among the honorees.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine attended to underscore federal support for wounded veterans.
- The program showcased diverse service stories from Gulf War Marine Chris LaCivita to father-son duo Kevin and Brian Willette, both wounded in Afghanistan.
- Originating under George Washington in 1782 and revived in 1932, the Purple Heart has been awarded to over 1.8 million Americans injured or killed by enemy action.