The Daughters of the Republic of Texas hosted a Veterans Day program at the Brown County Museum of History. The event was covered in posters commemorating those who served in the American military from the Brownwood area. The focus was on the importance of remembering our veterans, the sacrifices they made, and their achievements thereafter. 

Among the posters was a recognition of Brown County History Museum as a Purple Heart Museum back in January. The Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of Texas honored the Brown County Museum of History with a Purple Heart designation.

According to the award, “The Brown County Museum of History is the first public museum in Texas to be honored with this Purple Heart designation, given in recognition of ongoing exhibits and initiatives that support veterans and promote patriotism.”

Veteran Army Captain Paul Wade was the speaker at yesterday’s event. According to Captain Wade, the Brown County Museum of History is also the first small-town museum to be referenced as Purple Heart Museum, in the nation. 

Wade discussed the need to recognize veterans in the Brownwood area and their service. “We started looking at how we can help the veterans in the area. There are 1,500 veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, etc. in the Brownwood area,” said Captain Wade of the American Legion. Wade clarified that the number was not Brownwood city limits, but the whole area in and surrounding Brownwood. “There are over a hundred purple heart recipients in the area, that we know of,” Wade added. 

American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans service association. Wade echoed that the American legion can and will work with everybody who is a veteran and the recipient of any military award to get their information out and help them be recognized for their service if they have not been. 

Even if a veteran in the Brownwood area has not received a military award, the American Legion wants to support the veteran community in any way it can. The American Legion in Brownwood is located at  2710 Crockett Dr. Brownwood, TX 76801. Their number is (862) 824-5225.

The Daughters of the Texas Republic finished the event reading off stories of veterans from the Brownwood area, their courageous actions during their service, and the awards they have received. Members in attendance were able to stand with posters honoring their family members.