Purple Heart Day returns to Island Park

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Rolling thunder storms and downpours couldn’t dampen Island Park’s spirits this Sunday as Purple Heart Day returned to the neighborhood, with food, entertainment and, a World War II-era armored car.

The official Purple Heart Day falls every year on Aug. 7 to honor recipients of this prestigious medal created in 1782 by President George Washington to honor soldiers who have been injured or killed in the line of duty.

In celebration of the day, and their three-year anniversary in business in Island Park, Hope’s Land of Candy co-owners Hope and Joan Cohen first organized the event last year, bringing in World War II-accurate re-enactors and vehicles from the Museum of American Armor in Bethpage.

The tradition continued this year, and the M8 Greyhound armored car, used for reconnaissance and infantry support during the war returned, complete with its crew of WWII re-enactors. There was also musical entertainment and face painting for kids, rounding out a celebration for people of all ages.