Guests got a surprise at the end of the Purple Heart Appreciation Day Program. They were given a sneak preview of the expanded Hall of Honor.
The museum on Route 300 in New Windsor has been enlarged so it includes exhibits for all branches of the military. It won’t officially re-open until Saturday afternoon, Aug. 15.
But on Aug. 7, the hall held an outdoor program under a tent to commemorate three things:
1. Gen. George Washington’s creation of the Badge of Military Merit in 1782, which was the precursor of the Purple Heart.
2. The 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, and
3. The 40th anniversary of the end of the war in Vietnam.
A pair of Purple Heart recipients were the guest speakers for the day. Both of them made light of their war injuries and focused on other people’s sacrifices.
Lawrence Vinci was born in 1922 and wounded in 1945 while rushing to the aid of his lieutenant. Mr. Vinci had help walking to the podium last Friday, but once he was there, he stood tall and barely glanced at his notes while delivering his speech.
“Having reached the age I am,” he told the audience, “to still participate in activities with brothers in arms is an inspiration.”
He earned his Purple Heart near the end of the war in Europe, but acknowledged that there are others (such as those suffering from post traumatic stress) who shouldn’t be forgotten. “Many suffered wounds that were not apparent,” he said. “They, too, deserve recognition.”
Anthony Lassiter, the second speaker of the afternoon, was struck by a rocket propelled grenade after serving seven months and seven days in Vietnam. Two of his fellow soldiers (ages 20 and 21) were killed in the attack. “I often think of them,” Mr. Lassiter admitted, “and wonder what their lives could have been.”
He added that people serving in the military have written a blank check to the United States of America that is payable for any amount up to the sacrifice of their lives.
Both speakers received a standing ovation from a crowd of 100 people — including a pair of Gold Star Mothers and veterans of all five branches of the military.
The guests sang “God Bless America” with gusto at the end of the program, and were then surprised by the invitation to see the newly expanded hall.
