The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR)— Today, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), along with state officials and veterans, honored Veterans Day by unveiling one of 16 new dedicated parking spaces reserved for Purple Heart recipients.
The DMV’s statewide Purple Heart parking initiative was highlighted during the ceremonial unveiling, which took place at DMV’s Richmond Customer Service Center (CSC). Virginia Purple Heart recipients and their families joined Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III, DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, the Virginia Department Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Ben King, the cadets from Benedictine College Preparatory School, members of the MOPH Greater Richmond Chapter, DMV staff and Department of Veterans Services officials to mark the occasion.
“On Veterans Day and every day, Virginia is proud to honor all who have served our country, especially those wounded or killed in combat,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III. “These parking spaces serve as a visible and powerful reminder of their courage and sacrifice, and ensure their contributions are never forgotten.”
The Purple Heart, the military’s oldest award, honors service members who have been wounded or killed in action. Its origins stretch back 250 years, when General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit—an early symbol of bravery and dedication that evolved into the modern Purple Heart.
“These spaces are not just conveniences,” said Ben King, Commander of the MOPH Department of Virginia. “They are physical symbols of a bond forged in sacrifice, service, and the cost of freedom—a bond that began with Washington and continues in our communities today.”
Phil Koren, a Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam War veteran from MOPH Chapter 1965, carries his badge with pride after being wounded during Operation Gray on March 10, 1969, in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Despite his injuries from a nearby mortar strike, he helped his crew and kept all guns operational during the mission.
“One of my men was severely wounded, and though we struggled to get a medevac through the barrage, we finally evacuated him. He didn’t make it,” said Koren. “I received a valor award and the Purple Heart that day, but that loss has stayed with me ever since.”
Honoring the heroism and commitment of veterans like Koren, the DMV has installed signature purple-and-white signs to designate one reserved parking spot at each of 16 participating CSCs across the state, including 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, and Woodbridge. DMV selected these locations based on the number of Purple Heart recipients in nearby communities. These spaces are located near building entrances, usually adjacent to the handicapped spots, to make DMV visits accessible for Purple Heart recipients.
“This isn’t just a parking space—it’s a lasting expression of our deep respect for the service members who have worn our nation’s uniform,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. “The DMV is committed to serving every customer with dignity and every time a Purple Heart recipient parks here, we hope they feel the gratitude of all Virginians.”
This initiative is part of the national Purple Heart Parking Project, which honors and raises awareness of the bravery and sacrifices of service members. The Virginia DMV is proud to recognize the contributions of our veterans and to partner with the MOPH Greater Richmond Chapter to bring this effort to life across the Commonwealth.
To download the video of today’s event, click here. It includes soundbites from DMV Director of Communications Mike Pressendo, Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III, and Virginia Department Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Ben King.
For more information about the Purple Heart Project, visit www.purpleheart.org.
