Military Order of the Purple Heart Commemorates th

Washington, DC, Sept. 26, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

The public is invited to join the Military Order of the Purple Heart at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, on Wednesday, September 27 ^th at 12:15 PM to commemorate the close of National Suicide Prevention Month.  At that time and place, MOPH National Commander Neil Van Ess will be joined by other Purple Heart recipients as they lay a wreath on behalf of the twenty veterans who tragically take their own lives each day through suicide.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart pays special tribute on this day to the families and friends struggling to cope with the loss of their loved one.  Through its Suicide Awareness Program, the MOPH strives to help bring awareness to the causes, recognition of the signs that lead to suicide, and inform the public of resources available to help treat the causes.  It is hoped that these efforts will open the doors for conversation and encourage others to seek help with the knowledge that we truly care about their well-being.  

The "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance.  Programs of the MOPH include VA Volunteer Service, JROTC Leadership Awards, Scholarships, Suicide Awareness, Americanism, Purple Heart Trail and Cities, Welfare, and numerous community service programs, all with the objective of service to Veterans and their families. 

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...112830a902

John E. Bircher III Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc. 352-753-5535 publicrelations@purpleheart.org John Flener National Suicide Awareness Officer 229-425-8770