By National Purple Heart Honor Mission Staff

A select group of Purple Heart recipients gathered in New York in April for a three-day event honoring their sacrifices to the nation.

The 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project, sponsored by the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, provided the all-expenses-paid trip, which included tributes, tours, and ceremonies for the heroes representing each state.

“This was one of the best experiences of my life. It was the ‘thank you’ we never got,” said former Army Staff Sgt. George Bates, a Vietnam War veteran and the New York honoree.

[SEE THE LIST: 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project Honorees]

The events opened with a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in New York City, where Col. John Mansfield, USA (Ret), and former Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Thomas Matteo shared poignant remarks on their service and their lost compatriots. After leaving purple carnations at the site, the group traveled across town to the National September 11 Memorial where Maj. Larry Iverson, USMC (Ret), and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry reflected on the service and sacrifice of veterans from the post-9/11 era.

Purple Heart honorees and their guests were then treated to a private waterfront cruise around New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, with special guest Gen. Joseph Votel, USA (Ret), providing remarks.  

The remainder of the dayslong trip saw honorees tour the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Stewart Air National Guard Base, and the U.S. Military Academy. They also attended a banquet featuring remarks by former 1st Lt. Mary “Edie” Meeks, a combat nurse who served during Vietnam, and former Army Capt. Alfred “Al” Lipphardt, previously a leader of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The events concluded with a concert featuring the MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra, during which Maj. James Capers, USMC (Ret), received recognition as this year’s National Honoree. Capers deployed to Vietnam in August 1966 as part of the Marine Corps’ elite Force Recon unit. In the fall of 1967, while recovering from combat injuries, Capers was selected to represent the Marines in a national recruiting campaign.

Following Vietnam, he participated in Cold War covert operations as a field agent in Eastern Europe and Africa. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed into law legislation that authorizes the awarding of the Medal of Honor to Capers.

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“The trip was definitely the trip of a lifetime,” said Florida honoree Lt. Cmdr. Denise Woodfin, USN (Ret). “I will continue to look and appreciate all of the pictures, talk about it with friends, and think about all of the true heroes I met and now consider friends and a part of my family.”

The National Purple Heart Honor Mission’s next major project is the establishment of a traveling exhibition to bring the story of Purple Heart recipients to communities across the nation. The National Purple Heart Traveling Tribute and Education Center will teach Americans about the service and sacrifice that keeps the nation safe and free. The Purple Hearts Across America Tour is scheduled to launch in January 2027.

“By honoring these patriots and telling their stories to future generations, we ensure that Americans always know that the liberties we enjoy came at a price,” said Col. Russ Vernon, USA (Ret), the executive director of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.