by Alvin Lee Matkovich, Commander, M.O.P.H. Lamoreaux Chapter #91
Chapter #91 was chartered 06-October-1939. We are a veteran’s organization made up of combat wounded veterans, helping veterans and their families in need. General 
George Washington originated the Purple Heart, first called Badge of Military Merit on 07-August-1782, for those who shed their blood in combat. It is the oldest of military decorations in present use in the world. It is a purple, heart shaped medal with the bust of George Washington and his coat-of-arms pictured on it.
We carry the name Lamoreaux proudly to honor three brothers (Don, Al, and Howard Lamoreaux from Sparta, Michigan) who made the ultimate sacrifice on different battle fields during WWII.
Our Auxiliary was chartered in 2008 and is very crucial to our accomplishing our objectives. It is made up of wife’s, daughters, mothers, and granddaughters of our men and women who were awarded the purple heart.
We have installed two Purple Heart National Monuments in the Grand Rapids area: one in Veterans Memorial Park and another at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. We volunteer at the Veteran’s Home: taking the veterans to ball games; plays; fishing; bingo; bowling: and we helped set up and assist at the model train room.
Some of our members go into classrooms to teach children American values and Patriotism. Our members come from all over Western Michigan, from Muskegon, Holland, Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and other cities and towns.
We continue to serve our country and Veterans and their families proudly, humbly, and faithfully.
The mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans, promote patriotism, support necessary legislative initiatives, and most importantly, provide service to all veterans and their families.
