Commission proclaims Aug. 7 Purple Heart Day and August Purple Heart Month; local ceremony planned at Daphne Civic Center

Commissioner Gruber presented a proclamation recognizing Aug. 7, 2026 as National Purple Heart Day and August 2026 as National Purple Heart Month in Baldwin County; the commission voted to accept the proclamation.

"This morning, I want, do a proclamation on August 2026 as National Purple Heart Day and the month of August 2026 as the National Purple Heart Month in Baldwin County, Alabama," Commissioner Gruber said while reading the proclamation language that described the award's history and commended the county's Purple Heart recipients. (The transcript briefly records the proclamation text as "Baltimore County," which appears to be a transcription error; the commission and speakers repeatedly referenced Baldwin County.)

Dr. Andrew Delgadio, who identified himself as senior vice commander for the national Purple Heart organization, thanked county leadership and outlined plans to reunite family members of recipients at the Aug. 7 ceremony at the Daphne Civic Center. "The Purple Heart as we've come to know it today... General Douglas MacArthur... recreated the award as we know it today," he said, giving historical context and inviting residents to the ceremony.

Phil Quigley of the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission described the local program and youth involvement, saying the event will involve the Baldwin County Youth Orchestra, JROTC honor guard and will have roughly "50 to 65 recipients" attending. The commission moved, seconded and adopted the proclamation by voice vote.