To the editor:

Celebrated on each Aug. 7, National Purple Heart Day offers all Americans a special opportunity to say “thank you” to the nearly 2 million brave men and women who fought for our nation’s freedom, and bear the physical scars of war.

Being a day set aside by our nation, not with parades of people in multi-colored costumes, but rather a day in showing our gratitude by honoring and remembering those wounded or killed in action while serving the United States of America. These brave men and women, who were either wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield professed the true meaning of “no greater love.”

May all Americans take a moment of your time on to remember, honor and thank these brave men and women for their “no greater love” and sacrifice when answering the call of, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

“For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.”

So on Aug. 7, let all Americans remember and honor all of you, my fellow Purple Heart recipients. Most people never get the chance to meet their heroes. I served with mine.

Jack Wagner, Commander

(Lee, Collier & Hendry Counties)