WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Central Texas veterans and community members gathered Friday morning at KWTX-TV to observe National Purple Heart Day, marking the 244th anniversary of the nation's oldest military decoration with a solemn ceremony at the station's monument.

The 10 a.m. commemoration, coordinated by station contact Valerie, honored the sacrifices of U.S. service members wounded or killed in combat.

For local veterans, the day is a poignant reminder of the heavy cost of service."It's an award, believe me, that nobody really wants," said Rolando Hernandez, past Commandant of the Marine Corps League, past Commander for the American Legion, and Senior Vice Commander for the VFW.