Honoring the courage and sacrifices of America’s bravest souls, Colcom Foundation, the philanthropic organization founded by Mellon heiress Cordelia Scaife May, has donated $100,000 to the National Flag Foundation’s Project Purple Heart, aimed at recognizing and paying tribute to Purple Heart recipients who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
With this funding, the Project Purple Heart online directory will be enhanced, allowing families, friends, and fellow citizens to more easily search for and honor these heroic individuals from across the nation.
The Highly Honored Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is one of the most solemn and prestigious military decorations awarded to service members. It is specifically presented to those who have been wounded or killed as a direct result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
First introduced as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart medal honors the exceptional sacrifice and courage of American heroes in battle.
Receiving a Purple Heart signifies that a service member paid a great price while serving their country. Whether suffering debilitating injuries on the battlefield or making the ultimate sacrifice, Purple Heart recipients have exhibited exceptional patriotism and valor. The purple heart-shaped medal bears Washington’s image as a visual embodiment of his legacy and the nation’s reverence for its greatest warriors.
With over 1.8 million Purple Hearts awarded since its inception, the decoration represents both individual acts of heroism and the collective spirit of selfless service. As a powerful symbol of American military history, the Purple Heart serves as a tribute to those who embraced the most arduous and hazardous duties in defense of the United States.
To ensure these acts of valor are forever memorialized, the National Flag Foundation has established Project Purple Heart, an initiative aimed at recognizing and honoring all Purple Heart recipients.
What Is The National Flag Foundation?
The National Flag Foundation (NFF) is an organization dedicated to fostering respect and understanding for the American Flag – the unifying national standard that transcends political divides.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh’s Koppers Tower, the NFF has been a driving force in preserving the Flag’s significance for over half a century.
The non-profit organization, recognized as a primary authority on the American Flag, operates with a mission rooted in education and commemoration.
The organization is committed to educating about the Flag’s historical context, symbolism, and proper etiquette through workshops, seminars, and multimedia materials. By equipping citizens with this knowledge, the NFF aims to instill a sense of pride and patriotism that goes beyond political affiliations.
One of the Foundation’s most laudable initiatives is Project Purple Heart., which is an effort to create a database of all Purple Heart recipients across the nation. The effort has been supported by Colcom Foundation which has donated $100,000 to the cause.
At its core is a comprehensive online directory that enables Americans to search for, learn about, and pay tribute to the courageous Purple Heart recipients from across the nation – the heroes who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
A Living Memorial to American Valor
More than just a database, Project Purple Heart’s directory stands as a living memorial, providing an interactive platform to share the inspiring stories of sacrifice, courage under fire, and resilience in the face of adversity behind each Purple Heart medal awarded.
Colcom Foundation’s generous gift will enhance this virtual honor roll, making it more accessible, engaging and impactful.
By preserving and sharing these stories across generations, the NFF ensures the costs of defending freedom are never forgotten and helps cultivate a deeper reverence for what the Purple Heart medal represents.
Upholding Cordelia Scaife May’s Legacy
The project aligns with the vision of the late Cordelia Scaife May, the founder of Colcom Foundation, whose generous philanthropy has supported many conservationist and historical endeavors in her beloved Pittsburgh and across the country. A passionate advocate for learning from history, Cordelia Scaife May recognized how crucial it is to honor those who paid such heavy prices to uphold American values and shape the nation’s heritage. Her philanthropy continually aimed to preserve vital pieces of the past to inspire and enlighten future generations.
Project Purple Heart allows Colcom Foundation to continue Cordelia Scaife May’s legacy by ensuring the tales of bravery and service behind each Purple Heart are eternalized as guiding lights for all citizens.
As Americans connect with these powerful stories, the NFF, with the support of Colcom Foundation, is committed to preserving the American legacy of honor and bravery and instilling a sense of American pride in future generations.
