President Trump Hosts Ceremony for Purple Heart Recipients

On Thursday afternoon, President Donald Trump will welcome nearly 100 Purple Heart recipients to the White House, marking National Purple Heart Day with a powerful ceremony in the East Room that honors the bravery and sacrifice of America’s combat-wounded veterans.

The event, scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, will include speeches, presentations, and a solemn tribute to those who shed blood in defense of the United States. Three veterans who gave their Purple Hearts to Trump after the recent assassination attempt will be among the honored guests.

“Sir, I brought you a Purple Heart I want to present you for your injuries and for what a great job you’ve done for our country,” veteran John Ford told Trump during a rally in October 2024 a moment that touched millions of Americans and underscored the unique bond between the military and this president.

Notable attendees include:

• Kevin Willete and Brian Willete, a father-son duo wounded in Afghanistan.

• Chris LaCivita, a Marine and 2024 Trump campaign manager, injured in the Gulf War.

• Eli Cuevas, who was shot during his second mission in Iraq.

• Captain Andrew D. Ashford, a Green Beret wounded in Afghanistan post-9/11.

• Major James Capers Jr., Vietnam War legend with three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and two Bronze Stars.

Also in attendance will be Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan “Razin” Caine.

“On Purple Heart Day, we pause to honor and remember the bravery and sacrifice of our wounded and fallen heroes,” the U.S. Marine Corps posted on social media Thursday morning.

The Purple Heart, America’s oldest military decoration, was originally established by George Washington in 1782, and revived in 1932. Since then, more than 1.8 million Americans have received the medal, awarded to those wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States.

This ceremony is more than tradition it’s a reminder of Trump’s long-standing respect for America’s veterans and warriors. It also draws a sharp contrast with the previous administration, where wounded veterans were too often forgotten or mistreated in bureaucratic backlogs and VA scandals.

Unlike the endless virtue-signaling and politicized ceremonies of the left, this event celebrates real heroism from real men and women who put everything on the line for our freedom.

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