Virginia DMV honors Purple Heart recipients with reserved parking spaces
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) honored Veterans Day by dedicating 16 parking spaces to Purple Heart recipients at DMV locations across the Commonwealth.
An unveiling ceremony for one of the new parking spaces was held on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the DMV's Richmond Headquarters.
Officials unveil new DMV parking space at Richmond Customer Service Center. (Photo: Deniel Dookan, 8News)
“These parking spaces serve as visible tributes to those who have been wounded or killed in combat, symbolizing our enduring gratitude for their sacrifice,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III.
The Purple Heart is the military's oldest award. It honors service members who've been wounded or killed in combat. The spaces are marked by purple and white signs and are located near building entrances to make visits more accessible for Purple Heart recipients.
Officials said the parking spaces are about more than offering convenience.
"They're for symbols of respect and remembrance," Miller said. "When used, they honor living heroes. When empty, they stand as silent memorials to those who gave their all in defense for our freedoms."
The DMV selected locations for the new parking spaces based on communities with a large number of Purple Heart recipients. The locations include:
- Richmond Headquarters
- Alexandria
- Chesterfield
- Fairfax Braddock
- Fairfax Westfields
- Franconia
- Hampton
- Manassas
- Norfolk Military
- Norfolk Widgeon
- Roanoke
- Sterling Free Court
- Tysons Corner
- Virginia Beach Buckner
- Virginia Beach Hilltop
- Woodbridge
“The spaces we are unveiling are a link to the past, but also a promise for the future,” said Ben King, Virginia Department Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. “We understand we are here because of the deeds and sacrifices our veterans have made.”
Reserved parking sign at DMV for combat-wounded veterans. (Photo: Deniel Dookan, 8News)
The initiative is part of the National Purple Heart Parking Project, intended to raise awareness of the dedication and sacrifice of service members. King said the parking spaces also serve as a reminder of the cost of freedom.
“Freedom’s not free,” he said. “While it’s hard for people living in freedom to imagine what it’s like to not have it, telling these stories helps people understand that the way we live in America is a real gift.”
According to the DMV, plans are underway to expand the program to additional customer service centers across the Commonwealth.
