Yes, President Trump has done it again. He congratulated someone for winning the Purple Heart. This is the medal that no one wants!
Pres. Trump awards Purple Heart to Army Sgt. Alvaro Barrientos, who was recently wounded in Afghanistan https://t.co/Xucpktr8ji pic.twitter.com/RhZaQbugwY
— ABC News (@ABC) April 22, 2017
This guy lost a leg! A leg!
That is not something you congratulate someone for, Trump!
During the campaign, he once joked that he “always wanted” a Purple Heart. At a rally, Trump said:
“You know something very nice just happened to me. A man came up to me and he handed me his Purple Heart.”
“He said, ‘that’s my real Purple Heart I have such confidence in you.’ And I said, ‘Man that’s like big stuff. I’ve always wanted to get the real Purple Heart.’ This was much easier.”
Sean Barney, who was shot in the neck in Fallujah in 2006, wrote this about it on Facebook:
“As someone who fought for our country in Iraq, was injured, and was awarded a Purple Heart, I can tell you, no one should ever “want” to get a Purple Heart.”
Here are some of the internet’s reactions to Trump’s congratulating a man for getting a Purple Heart:
Oh…dear.
Really, believe me, no one seeks a Purple Heart.Truly. https://t.co/HXbnVy2S2q
— Kim Dozier (@KimDozier) April 22, 2017
Hey military, y'all would Eat. A. Brother. Alive. If they did this. Whatcha gonna say bout Trump? Hope his staff learns him up right quick. https://t.co/V9z9PVcTzQ
— Kevin Baron (@DefenseBaron) April 22, 2017
Congratulations? Like the Purple Heart is a prize? Trump is an idiot. Most of us always knew this. https://t.co/vf3g4AOA7m
— The Tweetwit (@TheTweetwit) April 22, 2017
So inappropriate. You don't congratulate a soldier for being wounded. You thank them for their service, dedication and sacrifice.
— Schoolhouse Rock Alum (@HouseOfMichele) April 22, 2017
The Purple Heart is given to soldiers who are wounded or killed in battle. The medal goes back to 1782 when George Washington gave his soldiers “Badges of Merit” and “Badges of Distinction.”
Washington wrote this on the medals:
“The General ever desirous to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military Merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward.”
Seriously, Trump, read up on the awards you are giving. You are the Commander in Chief!
Featured image via Twitter.
