Governor Abbott Declares Purple Heart Day, Named Purple Heart Ambassador

TEXAS, August 7 - August 7, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today joined Purple Heart recipients at a ceremony at the Texas Capitol to sign a proclamation declaring August 7, 2026, as Purple Heart Day in Texas. The Military Order of the Purple Heart presented the Office of the Governor with a Purple Heart Designation, the first of its kind for any Governor’s Office in the nation, and named Governor Abbott a Purple Heart Ambassador. The designation places the Office of the Governor on the national Purple Heart Trail.

“The Purple Heart represents the deep gratitude of every American who owes their freedoms, their homes, and their communities to the selfless sacrifice of our service members,” said Governor Abbott. “We owe an immeasurable debt to these heroes for their devotion to duty and for their sacrifice for our nation. I am proud to establish August 7th as Purple Heart Day to encourage all Texans to share their gratitude for those who have paid the true price for our freedom.”

During his remarks, Governor Abbott spoke of the bravest among us who place themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation and the freedoms we cherish. He paid tribute to military heroes wounded or killed in combat and expressed respect for those who received this distinguished decoration. He noted that on August 7, 1782, General George Washington commissioned the first Purple Heart Medal as the Badge of Military Merit, the oldest military award in our nation’s history. The Governor stated that Texas holds these heroes close to its heart and that the State of Texas owes them an immeasurable debt for their devotion to duty. Governor Abbott called on all Texans to honor these men and women and to ensure a future worthy of their sacrifice.

The Governor was joined by Purple Heart recipients and leaders from the Military Order of the Purple Heart, including Department of Texas Commander Lorenzo Rodriguez, Chapter 1513 Chapter Adjutant Lisa Holmes, Senior Vice Commander Eric Newton, and David Apperson. Other military heroes and Purple Heart recipients from conflicts that include Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror were in attendance.

Additional photos will be provided here when available.