A patriotic concert honoring America’s combat-wounded veterans will be held April 30 at Mount Saint Mary College as part of a national tribute marking the country’s 250th anniversary.

The “Concert for America’s Heroes,” presented by the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, will take place at Mount Saint Mary College’s Aquinas Theatre. The event serves as the capstone of this year’s Purple Heart Patriot Project mission, which brings combat-wounded veterans from all 50 states to the Hudson Valley.

The MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Jason Tramm, will perform a patriotic pops program honoring service members across generations. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $20 and available through the Honor Mission’s website. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

“Across America people are gathering together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our great nation,” said Col. Russell Vernon (Ret.), executive director of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. “It’s only fitting that as we mark this historic milestone we pay tribute to the brave men and women whose service and sacrifice has helped keep us free.”

Tramm said the concert is intended as both a celebration and a thank-you. “Through music, we have the privilege of expressing what words alone cannot fully convey — our gratitude, our respect, and our enduring remembrance,” he said.

The 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees include Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr., a pioneering Marine Recon commander; six-time Purple Heart recipient Thomas Matteo; and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Steve Woelk, who was wounded and held as a prisoner of war after the capture of the USS Pueblo in 1968.

Newburgh holds special significance to the Purple Heart, which traces its modern origins to the city.

“Newburgh is the birthplace of what became the modern-day Purple Heart, so it’s particularly poignant to offer this America 250 tribute at a time when so many of our heroes are gathered in our community,” said Purple Heart recipient and National Purple Heart Honor Mission board vice chairman Dan Clarino. “The Hudson Valley is deeply patriotic, and I know our community will come together as we always do to give our heroes a warm welcome home.”

The National Purple Heart Honor Mission is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring those wounded or killed in combat through outreach, education and public events.