Lawton, OK – Mayor Stan Booker recognized the service and sacrifice of local Purple Heart recipients on Friday, Aug. 7, issuing a proclamation to Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 602 in observance of National Purple Heart Day.
Chapter 602 is the only local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Lawton. The organization provides support, fellowship and advocacy for veterans who were wounded in combat, with membership reserved for service members and veterans who have received the Purple Heart.
Among those representing the chapter was Matthew Sims, a three-time Purple Heart recipient who has used his own experiences in combat to help other veterans.
Sims is also the author of Why My Heart is Purple, a book about his experiences in combat and the challenges he faced afterward. Through sharing his story, Sims hopes to reach fellow veterans and help others better understand the experiences of those who were wounded while serving their country.
The city’s proclamation recognized the sacrifices represented by the Purple Heart while also highlighting the continued contributions recipients make in their communities following their military service.
National Purple Heart Day is observed each year on Aug. 7 to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were wounded or killed while serving their country.
The recognition in Lawton also highlighted the work of local Purple Heart recipients and the Military Order of the Purple Heart in supporting veterans and maintaining a connection among those who have experienced combat-related injuries.
