The Purple Heart medal is awarded to military members who are killed or wounded in action. Individuals who receive this award, along with their family members, are eligible to join the Order of the Purple Heart organization.

Colorado is home to three chapters of the Order. The local chapter is led by Commander Roy Ray, a Vietnam veteran who was wounded in 1965 during a mission in South Korea, earning his Purple Heart.

On August 7, 2025, Ray and members of the organization were honored by Mayor Mike Coffman at the Aurora Municipal Center. Mayor Coffman declared the day as Purple Heart Day in the city and raised a Purple Heart flag in their honor.