Purple Heart Day is a time for Americans to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. Created by General George Washington on August 7, 1782 to recognize meritorious action, the Purple Heart is considered to be the military’s oldest medal. The contemporary interpretation of the color of the Purple Heart is that the color represents the blood of all those who have made sacrifices in war, but traditionally the color is thought to represent the courage of those who serve.

Our dear friends, the Orange Coast Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Riders, have departed this morning for Panama City Beach, Florida, where the Hoka Hey 10,000-mile endurance ride begins this Sunday, August 9! For the next month, we'll follow the OCHOG riders on their epic adventure across the United States and could not be more grateful that they've accepted this challenge to raise money and awareness for Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. Wishing our friends a safe and memorable journey! To support this ride and ill and injured warriors, donate today at https://us.commitchange.com/ca/san-diego/warrior-foundation-freedom-station/campaigns/oc-hoka-hey-riders-for-warrior-foundation-freedom-station

Happy 230th Birthday to the United States Coast Guard! The Coast Guard's official history began on August 4, 1790 when the first Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce federal tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling. Today, the Coast Guard's units, vessels and aircraft are permanently deployed in the communities it serves. One of the five Armed Services of the U.S., the Coast Guard’s unique role as the only military branch within the Department of Homeland Security give it both civilian and military responsibilities to protect America's economic prosperity, national security, and border - from the heartland to cyberspace.

Thank you to all the warriors who shared their heartfelt stories this month of why they're proud to be an American! Sergeant Major Brian Fogarty, U.S. Marine Corps (ret.) proudly summited Mount Kilimanjaro earlier this year with a fellow veteran, proving once again that our nation's warriors have limitless potential, tenacity and grit, and are nothing short of extraordinary. Brian shares his thoughts with us below: "Joining the military, particularly the Marine Corps, was always a childhood dream. Additionally, I was taught it was an honor to serve your country. I also felt it was my moral obligation to give back to others and to protect this great nation. My father, both grandfathers and their fathers served in the military, all during a time of war. Not only did I want to become a United States Marine, I wanted to continue this family legacy! After seeing behind the curtain, firsthand, I know how fortunate I am to live in America, with the quality of life it has provided me and my family, the many opportunities that exist, and the freedoms we enjoy. Those freedoms came at the cost of others and should not be taken for granted."

Our month-long celebration of America's birthday continues! Warriors who fought for our country, like retired U.S. Marine Adam Emfield, shares below why he's so proud to be an American and live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. “I am proud to be an American for the vast amount of freedoms, opportunities, and our communities. In many other countries, people are unable to choose what career paths they want, own their own properties, travel on a whim, and more. In America, we have the opportunities to invest, start businesses, expand our knowledge, and enhance our personal/professional standards of living. For our community in San Diego, we are military-strong and proud, work through adverse situations, and help those in need. There is no competition for what our nation does, and how we do it.”

Help our heroes by donating your unwanted vehicle, running or not, to Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. We accept all kinds of vehicles - cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats and RVs. Pickup is free and your donation is tax-deductible. Proceeds from the sale of your vehicle fund quality-of-life items, support services and transitional housing for ill and injured warriors. Call 855-450-GIVE or visit https://warriorfoundation.org/ways-to-give/donate-your-vehicle!

Every day at Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, we are surrounded by great Americans who love our nation so much that they were willing to lay down their lives in service to country. Meet Jorge Salazar, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (ret.) and hear his heartfelt story of why he's proud to be an American below. "Some of my earliest and fondest memories are the conversations my mother and I had when I was a small child, no older than my sons are now. She would often say, 'Be proud of your Mexican heritage, don’t lose your culture or language, but always remember that you are an American.' These conversations constantly remind me that I am blessed with freedom and opportunity beyond what most of the world will ever experience. They also instill in me a great pride for our nation, which made joining the Marine Corps at 18 an easy decision. I was willing, and almost did, make the ultimate sacrifice to lay down my life in defense of the freedoms I was born with in this great country. To me, being an American means loving our nation for both the good and the bad. It means loving our nation even if it sometimes seems like it doesn’t have the same love for me. Ultimately, I am forever grateful for my mother’s sacrifices which provided me with the greatest honor and opportunity of all - being an American."