On Purple Heart Day, a solemn yet uplifting ceremony unfolded at Fort Indiantown Gap as Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity returned a long-lost Purple Heart Medal to the son of Vietnam War veteran Ray Alvin Morgan. This meaningful event not only honored the legacy of a brave soldier but also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Pennsylvania Treasury to reunite military families with cherished service decorations lost to time. Events like this underscore the enduring significance of military medals and the sacrifices they represent.

The Purple Heart Medal, along with a Vietnam Service Medal and a National Defense Service Medal, had been safeguarded in the Pennsylvania Treasury's vault after being submitted as part of the 2023 unclaimed property report. These medals were originally housed in a forgotten safe deposit box, a fate not uncommon for military memorabilia. According to the Treasury, nearly 500 military decorations remain in their care, many awaiting reunion with their rightful owners or their families.

Private First Class Ray Morgan served in the U.S. Army from November 29, 1965, until October 19, 1967. Assigned to Company A, 4th Supply and Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, he was wounded during his service in Vietnam. His injuries led to his discharge from active duty and he received the Purple Heart while recovering at Valley Forge Hospital. The return of his medals decades later serves as a poignant reminder of the personal histories embedded in each military award.

James Morgan, Ray’s son, accepted the medals during the Purple Heart Day ceremony. He shared that the return was deeply emotional, especially given his own connection to Fort Indiantown Gap, where he is employed. “These medals personify honor, sacrifice, duty of service to our country,” James said. “I am honored to have his medals returned to me on National Purple Heart Day at Fort Indiantown Gap.” His reflections conveyed the powerful bond between generations of military families and the tangible symbols of service and sacrifice.

What struck me most was the personal outreach involved in this return. Treasury’s Vault Manager, Lori Hetrick, contacted James Morgan directly to coordinate the return of his father’s medals. The conversation, as James described it, was filled with emotion. This level of care and dedication adds a human dimension to what could otherwise be a bureaucratic process. It’s a reminder that behind each item in the Treasury’s vault lies a story of courage, family, and remembrance.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a veteran herself, emphasized the importance of returning these symbols of military service to those who earned them or their families. “As a Veteran myself, every military decoration return is near and dear to my heart,” she said. “This Purple Heart is a piece of Ray’s story, a story that includes the bravery he demonstrated and the sacrifices he and his family made during the Vietnam War.” Her words reflect a deep respect for the military community and a commitment to honoring their legacy.

Garrity was joined at the ceremony by Senator Chris Gebhard and Representative JoAnne Stehr, both of whom represent districts in Pennsylvania. Their presence underscored the bipartisan support for initiatives that recognize and preserve the history of service members. The event also highlighted the role of state-level programs in safeguarding and returning unclaimed military property, often overlooked in broader conversations about veterans’ services.

Purple Heart Day, observed nationally since 2014, commemorates the creation of the Badge of Military Merit by George Washington on August 7, 1782. The Purple Heart was later reestablished in 1932 to honor Washington’s 200th birthday. Today, it is awarded to those who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action. More than two million veterans have received the Purple Heart, including over 350,000 who served in the Vietnam War. The day serves as a solemn reminder of the costs of war and the valor of those who serve.

The return of Ray Morgan’s medals also casts a spotlight on the Pennsylvania Treasury’s unclaimed property program, which includes a searchable database for military decorations. This initiative allows families to reclaim medals that might have been misplaced or forgotten over time. It’s a mission that goes beyond financial stewardship and speaks to a broader commitment to preserving personal and national history.

“As Pennsylvania’s Treasurer, I protect our state’s finances, but one of the best parts of the job isn’t about the money at all,” Garrity said. “It’s moments like today when I can reunite a piece of a Veteran’s story with their family.” Her statement captures the emotional resonance of these efforts and the profound impact they have on the families involved.

For those interested in checking whether a family member’s military decorations are being held by the Treasury, the database is available at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/medals. It’s a small step that could lead to a powerful reconnection with a loved one’s legacy.

Read more at pennwatch.org