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Today is Purple Heart Day.
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of our Armed Forces who were wounded or killed by enemy action while serving our country.
It is a medal awarded not for achievement, but in recognition of sacrifice, and represents one of our nation’s most solemn military honors.
Nearly two million Purple Hearts have been awarded throughout our nation’s history, many of them posthumously.
It was my honor to introduce SCR 182, declaring August 7, 2026, as Purple Heart Day in California and recognizing the service members and Veterans in our communities who have received this distinguished honor.
As the state with the largest Veteran population in the nation, California has a special responsibility to honor the legacy of those who have put country above self.
Today, I encourage all Californians to take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who sacrificed so much in service to our country and in defense of our freedoms. Thank you.