NORFOLK, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. (MOPH) and the Ladies Auxiliary of the MOPH are pleased to announce that their National Conventions will be hosted this year by the Department of Virginia at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel, Norfolk, VA during the week of 9-13 August 2016.
This annual event brings together the Commanders and delegates of the Order’s Regions, Departments, Chapters and Units from all States, Puerto Rico and the US Trust Territory of Guam to elect the National Leadership of the Order for the upcoming year. Delegates will participate in training sessions, review the business of the past year, approve new governing amendments and organizational bylaw changes, and set an agenda for the coming year.
Secretary of Veteran Affairs Robert A. McDonald will be the Keynote Speaker for the opening ceremony at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, August 9 and will address MOPH Patriots, Associate Members, and Auxiliary Members attending the Convention. On Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM, The City of Norfolk will host a special reception at the MacArthur Memorial, 198 Bank St., Norfolk, where Mayor Kenneth C. Alexander will officially welcome the National Convention to Norfolk and honor all Purple Heart recipients. On Thursday, August 11, the Department of Virginia will host a charity golf tournament to benefit Fisher Houses at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center and the Richmond VA Medical Center. Other veterans and military personnel are welcome to join us by calling 703-627-4554. On Saturday, August 13, a Purple Heart Evening Gala will feature General Robert B. Neller, the 37th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, as the Guest Speaker and Guest of Honor. For the first time, the Gala will be open to the public. Advance reservations are required and may be made online at https://purpleheartmedal.squarespace.com/gala or by calling 703-354-2140.
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, First Responder Recognition, JROTC Leadership Award, Scholarships, Americanism, Purple Heart Trail and Cities, Welfare, and numerous community service programs, all with the objective of service to Veterans and their families.
The Media is invited to attend the opening ceremony on Tuesday, August 9. 2016.
