The National Purple Heart Honor Mission hosted a ceremony honoring and paying tribute to the brave men and women wounded and killed in enemy action.

A Purple Heart is one of the most recognizable awards of the United States armed forces. As of today, two million service members have been recipients of this incredible badge of honor.

Purple Heart recipient and United States Marine veteran Dan Clarino expressed gratitude for Sunday’s event.

“I’m grateful for my service, and I’m grateful for the respect we are getting, particularly today on National Purple Heart Day,” Clarino said.

The organization celebrated its 240th anniversary at Washington Headquarters in Newburgh.

“It means a lot to me to thank them for what they do for our nation, what they’ve done since they’ve come home; many of these heroes continue to serve,” said Russ Vernon, United States Army, retired colonel and executive director of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.

Traditions like this remind residents that freedom is not free, and because of the selfless brave men and women, we can experience it.