Purple Heart legacy honored in Morristown: ‘It’s the veteran… who gives you the right to vote’

Under leaden skies and swirling snow flurries, Morristown paused Tuesday morning to honor those who have borne the wounds of battle — and to reflect on the origins of the Purple Heart, first conceived by George Washington, whose weary troops camped nearby during two Revolutionary winters.

The Veterans Day ceremony on the historic Morristown Green featured Neil Van Ess, a decorated Vietnam veteran from Totowa and former National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Van Ess, who was wounded in 1968 while serving with the 101st Airborne Division, delivered an address that celebrated the courage of America’s veterans and reminded listeners that freedom is not a gift, but a debt repaid daily by those who serve.

“It’s the veteran — the soldier, the sailor, the airman, the Marine — not the politician, who has given you the right to vote,” Van Ess said, his words rising over the cold wind that rustled the Stars and Stripes high above the small gathering.

“It is the veteran who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, who allows the protesters to burn the flag, and whose coffin will be draped by that flag.”

Playlist: Neil Van Ness keynote, remarks by Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and Township Mayor Donna Guariglia.  Click icon top right to toggle. Videos by Bill Lescohier for Morristown Green.

MEDALS AND MUTINIES

Van Ess wove history into his remarks, tracing the lineage of the Purple Heart medal back to Washington’s creation of the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 — an award meant to lift morale among soldiers exhausted, in part, by long winters and short supplies in Morristown. Troops had gone unpaid for years. Mutiny was a problem.

Washington, Van Ess said, designed the badge to honor that soldier who has “given blood in defense of his homeland,” choosing the color purple for its symbolism of bravery and nobility.

Decorating ordinary soldiers was a novel notion for 18th century armies; medals were reserved for high-ranking officers. Washington is believed to have personally bestowed badges to three Connecticut volunteers, including a spy who ferreted valuable information from the enemy.

“The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all,” Washington explained in his general orders establishing the Badge of Military Merit.

The decoration was revived 150 years later by Gen. Douglas MacArthur. He renamed it the Purple Heart and accepted the first one in 1932, for being gassed in World War I. President Franklin Roosevelt expanded eligibility to all military branches a decade later, following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Since then, it is estimated that more than 1.9 million Purple Hearts have been awarded. About 500 women have received this medal, starting with nurse Annie Fox, honored for her heroism during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Famous recipients have ranged from President John F. Kennedy to Gen. George Patton, Hollywood actors James Stewart and Audie Murphy, and baseball Hall of Famer Warren Spahn.

Larry Thorne (born Lauri Törni), a Green Beret killed in Vietnam, also fought against the Soviets for his native Finland and for the Nazis in World War II.

Eligibility requirements have changed over time. Civilians and even animals have been recognized: Sergeant Stubby, a World War I dog that alerted troops to a gas attack; Chips, a World War II canine that helped neutralize a machine gun nest in Sicily; and Sergeant Reckless, a Korean War horse that ferried ammunition under fire.

‘A VERY SPECIAL ONE PERCENT’

Van Ess praised the 1.5 million active-duty military personnel and 1.3 million reservists who make up what he called “a very special one percent” of Americans.

“From the age of 18 to 33, you can join the military,” said the retired police officer. “You sign a piece of paper, raise your right hand, and make a literal contract with the United States government that can cost you up to your life.”

He urged members of the Morristown High School Marching Band, who performed during the ceremony, to learn veterans’ stories — including those of nurses chronicled in The Healing Wounds.

“I got wounded,” he told them solemnly. “I’m a survivor. The heroes didn’t come back.”

CEREMONY ON THE GREEN

Despite the bitter chill, a modest crowd assembled equidistant from monuments to Revolutionary militia and Civil War soldiers as the Morristown and Morris Township Memorial and Veterans Day Association carried on its annual tradition.

The high school band performed God Bless America, and student Garrett Gregor sounded Taps following a rifle salute by a veterans’ squad.

Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and Morris Township Mayor Donna Guariglia offered brief remarks. Guariglia called for year-round support for those who have served.

“Together, we can build a community that not only honors their sacrifices, but actively works to meet their needs,” she said, urging better access to mental health care and job training for returning veterans.