25 Purple Heart Veterans America Should Never Forget
25 Purple Heart Veterans America Should Never Forget. The Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving. The first Purple Heart was awarded February 22, 1932, but there wasn't a consistent record kept when it began. That means we can only estimate the total number which have been awarded. At this time, it's estimated there may have been 1.8 million Purple Hearts awarded.
Most everyone has heard of Micah Herndon, a Marine veteran who crawled to the finish line in the 123rd Boston Marathon on April 15, 2019. Herndon served in Afghanistan in 2010 and was injured during an improvised explosive device (IED) attack during his tour. Herndon said he runs to help deal with the PTSD he has from his tour in Afghanistan and to help him honor and remember three comrades that were killed in the related IED attack. Mark Juarez and Matthew Ballard, two of Herndon's best friends and fellow Marines, and British journalist, Rupert Hamer, all perished from this attack.
After Herndon returned home, he struggled with adapting to a normal, non-combat life. He began running a few miles a day and gradually increased, enjoying the adrenaline rush. "I run in honor of them," Herndon said. "They are not here anymore. I am here, and I am able. I am lucky to still have all my limbs. I can still be active. I find fuel in the simple idea that I can run. Some cannot. I feel like if I am not running, then I am doing something wrong with my life. If I get a heat cramp while running or my feet hurt, or I am getting exhausted, I just keep saying their names out loud to myself. They went through much worse, so I run for them and their families."
Herndon is just one of many amazing Purple Heart Veterans that America should remember. These are 25 more.
Did you know...
- Jennifer Aniston's star-defining role on friends started a hair craze in the 90s that even lasted into the early 2000s. Called "The Rachel," Aniston's shoulder-length haircut had grown-out bangs and highlights styled to perfection. A hairdresser in Detroit noted that at the peak of its popularity, 40% of her business was devoted to recreating "The Rachel." Too bad that it was notoriously difficult to maintain on your own at home.
- Jackie Kennedy is famous for redecorating and renovating the interior of the White House. Actually, on just her first day, she ordered $50,000 in changes for new rooms for the children and upgrades to the kitchen. She later hosted a tour of the White House for CBS News which was viewed by 56 million people and won her an Emmy Award.
- Paris Hilton not only lives in a mansion, she also built a doghouse mansion for her Chihuahua. It's 300 square feet and includes air conditioning and heating. It comes decked out with designer furniture, a chandelier, a pink paint job, second-floor balcony, and enclosed "yard." It's not enough for you to live in luxury. Your dog must, as well.
- In February 2020, Jeff Bezos bought the most expensive property in California: a $165 million mansion. It was designed for Jack Warner (the former president of Warner Bros. entertainment company). It took a decade to construct (spanning the 1930s and 40s). It comes complete with 9 acres of Beverly Hills land, a main house, a guest house, a tennis court, a golf course, and terraces.
- Björk created a media sensation when she wore her iconic white swan dress to the 2001 Oscars. At the time, many derided it as hideous and a publicity stunt, but it has since gone down as one of the most memorable dresses of all time—even if it isn't exactly beloved. She says David Bowie was the inspiration behind the dress.