The E-Sylum:  Volume 7, Number 36, September 5, 2004, Article 13

PURPLE HEART BAND-AIDS INSULT VETS

  Larry Mitchell forwarded the following statement from
  Thomas H. Corey, National President, Vietnam Veterans
  of America:

  "Vietnam Veterans of America has received reports of
  delegates at the Republican National Convention disseminating
  and wearing "Purple Heart" band-aids in mockery of one of
  nation?s most distinctive honors, the Purple Heart medal.

  The Purple Heart is one of the oldest military awards, first
  introduced in 1782 by Gen. George Washington to honor
  the service and sacrifice of the common soldier and recognize
  the spirit of volunteerism and selfless dedication. It was
  reinstated in 1932. The Purple Heart is awarded to members
  of the armed forces who are wounded by the enemy.

  The spirit of the award recognizes the personal sacrifice of
  our troops without regard to the severity or nature of the
  wound. It is the wounding itself that merits the honor. To
  demean the decoration and the sacrifice it symbolizes
  demeans all veterans and the patriots who honor them."

  To read the full release, see:  Full Story

  [Has anyone seen news reports on this?  What issue were
  the people handing out the band-aids trying to publicize?
  This release calls it "a mockery" but that's surely not what
  was intended. -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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