A dozen Purple Heart recipients were honored during the ceremony, where they presented challenge coins to the next generation of soldiers.

"The deeds and sacrifices that are required for freedom to flourish are embodied by the people who are here today," said Ben King of the Virginia War Memorial.

Among those honored was Benjamin Hill Jr., a 75-year-old Vietnam veteran from Fluvanna County who received the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat.

"We also have Purple Heart recipients who have bled, who have taken the hit for us on behalf of our values," King said.

Hill, who described himself as a farm boy, was drafted in 1968 at age 19 and deployed to South Vietnam. Just 45 days into his deployment, his unit came under heavy fire.

"I recognized the enemy was very close. I could see

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