The Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center (DCVAMC) began a new community outreach initiative on March 7, 2006. The purpose of the program is to recognize individual Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) for the contributions they have made to our local community and the Nation.

The medical center begins this VSO Appreciation Program by honoring the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Mr. Sanford Garfunkel, Medical Center Director, medical center staff and members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart participated in a flag raising and wreath laying ceremony.

The flag of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) will fly at the medical center for three months. (It is on a separate flag pole than the flag or our country. As part of this initiative, DCVAMC will sponsor informal activities for staff, patients and visitors highlighting accomplishments of Veterans Service Organizations.

Veterans' organizations play an important role in providing service and support to the veterans' community. Their history is intertwined with that of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the DCVAMC. It was through the efforts of VSOs that the Veterans Administration became a full department of the President's Cabinet.

The Purple Heart Medal was the first American military decoration and the first award made available to the common soldier. It was created in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit at Valley Forge by one of America's most beloved heroes, the first president, General George Washington.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart was founded in 1932 and has a long proud history of service to America's war wounded and disabled. On August 26, 1958, the Military Order of the Purple Heart was chartered by Congress.

Medical center staff is honored to recognize the Military Order of the Purple Heart and to begin its program to honor other veterans and fraternal organizations.