Overview

• President Trump signed a proclamation establishing August 7 as National Purple Heart Day during the East Room event.
• Nearly 100 Purple Heart recipients wounded in combat convened in the White House to be honored.
• Thomas Matteo, Gerald Enter Jr. and John Ford—who mailed their medals to Trump after the July 2024 Butler shooting—were present to reclaim their decorations.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine attended to highlight administration support for veterans.
• Other honorees included Marine Corps veteran Chris LaCivita and father-son recipients Kevin and Brian Willette, showcasing diverse stories of sacrifice.