Today is National Purple Heart Day.  It’s the day we honor those whose stories include tremendous sacrifice. 

No two stories of service are the same. They span different conflicts and different branches, and every servicemember’s experience is different.  But one thing that every story has in common is the sacrifice made on behalf of our nation.  Some have sacrificed life and limb for our freedoms, and those stories include a Purple Heart.  

Those who have received the Purple Heart set an example for all Americans. During my time in Walter Reed Medical Center, I was surrounded by men and women who had suffered catastrophic injuries even more serious than mine, but what defined them was not their injuries: it was their resolve.

When I see the fifty stars and thirteen red and white stripes, I think of all the sacrifices made by men and women in uniform to build this country up. From the Revolutionary War to War on Terror, these servicemembers, across different generations and walks of life, had one goal: to defend our nation.

It did not matter their gender, color of their skin or their socioeconomic background - all gave some and some gave all for our country. Some have sacrificed life and limb for our freedoms, and the nation marked their stories with Purple Hearts.