Commissioner Diaz to honor veterans

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY – In honor of Veterans Day, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz will recognize two veterans at the Thursday, November 8 Board of County Commission meeting at 8:30 a.m.

World War II veteran Robert White, who is 95 years old was part of Operation D-Day, when Allied forces stormed the beach at Normandy to recapture France from the Germans. He received many decorations and citations for his service including the American Theatre Ribbon, the American Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart and the WWII Victory Medal. Commissioner Diaz will also be presenting a proclamation to United States Army Captain Paul Amato, a Purple Heart recipient and member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Veterans.

The United States Southern Command’s color guard will conduct a presentation of colors ceremony at the meeting.

At the same meeting, Commissioners will vote on a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Diaz to proclaim Miami-Dade County as a Purple Heart County, in recognition of Purple Heart recipients’ service and sacrifice.

The Purple Heart, which is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in combat, is the nation’s oldest military award, established in 1782 by George Washington. According to the United States Census Bureau, Miami-Dade County is home to over 50,000 veterans, including Purple Heart recipients.