Saturday August 2, 2025 — 4:00 PM
The Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with a mobile Education Center, came to Wake Forest on October 18 – 21, 2018 at the E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, and was open 24 hours a day and was free to the public. The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces in the Vietnam War and bears the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
Our new The Wall That Heals book commemorates this historic event. Full color with more than 100 pages of photos to help you relive this wonderful weekend. All proceeds go to support area veterans! Hardback 8.5 x 11 inches. $40.00 plus shipping.
Our Annual Purple Heart Banquet for 2025 will start at 3:00 PM for Recipients and 4:00 PM for General Admissions!
This will be the 16th Annual Purple Heart Banquet and once again, we will be at Richland Creek Community Church. Our Annual Banquet is an incredible way to pay tribute to any recipient of the Purple Heart. A refreshingly patriotic event, anyone in the community is welcome to attend or volunteer at the Banquet. Mark your calendar and make your plans now! This year, instead of the traditional guest speaker format, imagine an evening which immerses guests in the veteran experience through film, storytelling, and powerful conversation. Tony Drees — Gulf War veteran, Purple Heart recipient, adaptive athlete, and nationally recognized speaker — invites you to a night of impact, inspiration, and camaraderie. ‘One For All’ Tony Drees stars in this award-winning short film in which he shares his childhood, time in the US Army as a Purple Heart Recipient and attempting a one-legged backflip as an amputee over 55.
• Tony Drees’ Commentary – Throughout the film, Drees will provide insight, behind-the-scenes context, and personal connections to the themes on screen.
• Live Q&A– An interactive session where guests can engage with Drees on topics like resilience, mental health, veteran transition, and leadership.
Why Tony Drees? His story is one of unbreakable will, survival, and service beyond the battlefield. After surviving a Scud missile attack in Desert Storm, enduring 58 surgeries, and ultimately losing his leg, he rebuilt himself as an elite adaptive athlete, motivational leader, and mentor to veterans nationwide. His message of “No Lies, No Excuses, Never Quit” is a powerful testament to the veteran experience and a call to action for all who serve.
This unique event will provide an engaging, high-impact alternative to a keynote speech, bringing Purple Heart veterans and supporters together in a meaningful way.
More photos on our About page.
This Year's Keynote Speaker —
Tony Drees!
Tickets are $25 each. They usually sell out quickly, so don’t delay to order your tickets!
16th Annual Purple Heart Banquet
Download a Scholarship Packet
This year’s Purple Heart Banquet includes entertainment, patriotic tributes and a catered meal.
The 2024 banquet saluted more than 54 Purple Heart recipients. Contributions may be made payable to
Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation,
PO Box 168, Wake Forest, NC, 27588.
For more details, e-mail
Hosted by the Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation, the Banquet honors those wounded in battle. In addition to Purple Heart Medal recipients and their families, the Banquet is open to all veterans and military families.
Note to Purple Heart Recipients: your invitation will be mailed. If you haven't received an invitation please e-mail: info@WakeForestPurpleHeartFoundation.org
Order Your Tickets Today!
Sponsor a Veteran!
Can’t attend but would like to help? You can sponsor a Veteran for only $30. Click this Donate button to sponsor a Veteran!
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Welcome!
The mission of the Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation is to provide a forum for the local community to honor Purple Heart recipients and their families, to foster an environment of goodwill among combat wounded Veterans, to promote patriotism and to encourage the sharing of recipient experiences so future generations will know of the sacrifices made by Veterans and their families.
Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation © 2011-2025