Text & Photo by Jennifer L. Warren
Lieutenant Colonel Mark R. Baaden has learned many lessons during his lengthy military tenure. However, one in particular stands out.
“Always get up,” affirmed the Purple Heart Award recipient. “No matter what, you have to keep going.”
Baaden, of Hopewell Junction, followed that adage 10 years ago while in Iraq when he found himself on the opposing end of a suicide bomber. Suffering a traumatic brain injury while leading troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Baaden underwent rehabilitation. In time, he worked his way back to the one place he wanted to be: the military.
Sunday, as part of Purple Heart Appreciation Day at the National Purple Heart Museum in New Windsor, Baaden accepted his purple medallion for his brave efforts. Presenting the Purple Heart Award was Brigadier General Wayne Edwards.
“There is no award that speaks to our service the way the Purple Heart does,” said Edwards.
Baaden now joins a database of names presently holding over 189,000 Purple Heart recipients, 11 percent of the total non-formal list. The “Roll of Honor” includes names of those enduring wounds in wars from April 6, 1862 to Nov. 3, 2012. It can be viewed on-line, as well as at the 374 Temple Hill Road site. Visitors also have the opportunity to examine six screens of information on each recipient. It’s all part of a commitment to preserve, as well as keep alive this special history. Also working toward that end is the Badge of Military Merit Chapter 1782, whose members are past, local recipients of the Purple Heart, many of whom were on hand Sunday.
“When I think of people receiving the Purple Heart, I also contemplete upon those who have served and are not here today,” said New Windsor resident, Robert Delgado, Commander of the Badge of Military Merit Chapter 1782. “The common person on the street will congratulate us for having this award, but at the same time, have no idea about its history; in fact, I had no idea about its background and real meaning until many, many years after I received it.”
Those who turned out to the scenic, historic New Windsor grounds and sat under the big, white tent Sunday, had the opportunity to learn about the Purple Heart Awards’ background, as well as potency. Once Baaden accepted the award and moved behind the podium to lend some words, listeners became further enlightened.
“These grounds are sacred,” said Baaden, as he surveyed the very site of the May 28, 1932 ceremony where 138 veterans of World War I were awarded their Purple Hearts. “None of the men I have served with would give up any of their scars and wounds to defend our freedom; it’s such an honor to be a part of.” A choked up Baaden continued, “If I had a chance to go back to any of my days in battle, I would do it again.”
In addition to the Purple Heart presentation, guests were also treated to an ensemble of melodies, compliments of The Evergreen Chorus, Sweet Adelines International. Their four-song performance kicked off with a touching Nat King Cole version of “Unforgettable,” sung as the group looked directly at Baaden and other military personnel on hand. After the hour long ceremony, guests were welcome to view the interior and exterior of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, the newest of New York State’s historic sites.
Baaden, his wife, father and children, were among those ranks.
“This is a very special place,” said Baaden. “It’s a rare award that no one wants wants or sets out to get, but is such an honor to receive.”
