Purple Heart Truck to be on display at West End restaurant March 29

When Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Herb Delbridge first debuted his now-iconic Purple Heart truck back in 2014, the Rockville resident was hoping to help show fellow veterans that their service and sacrifice was appreciated.

Eight years later, that mission continues.

The truck, a once-dilapidated 1983 Ford diesel firetruck that Delbridge spent tens of thousands of dollars restoring, will be on display during a special veterans appreciation event at Mission BBQ, 5440 Glenside Drive in Henrico, March 29. The event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is being held to coincide with National Vietnam Veterans Day.

The truck was painted during the course of four months by Mechanicsville artist Ken Hayden. It bears intricately hand-painted scenes that provide a glimpse into what Delbridge experienced as a young Marine platoon sergeant serving near the demilitarized zone in Vietnam in 1967.

On one panel near the back, nurses come to the aide of wounded soldiers. On another section, a pair of boots, a gun, and a helmet — otherwise known as a Battlefield Cross — serves as a memorial to a fallen comrade. President George Washington, the creator of the Purple Heart medal, is depicted on several areas of the truck, including one scene in which he appears to be gently handing a medal to a wounded Marine.

Each branch of the military is represented somewhere in the display, and each is honored with its own flag, flown from separate corners of the truck in holders painted to resemble bamboo.

The fact that the truck remains on the road is thanks in part to the dedication of local volunteers who came together to help after a debilitating stroke last year left Delbridge unable to drive it. Volunteers from the Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Henrico County Division of Fire quickly stepped in to help.

According to Marine Corps League Detachment 329 Public Relations Officer Randy Abernathy, there was never any question that the truck’s mission should continue.

In recognition of National Viet Nam Service Day, the Department of Veteran Affairs will have representatives on site at Mission BBQ to present service pens to any veteran that served during the Vietnam campaign.

In addition, a representative from the Military Order of the Purple Heart will be available to provide information about its services. Members of the Marine Corps League will be present and interested in meeting fellow Marines to discuss membership in the detachment. Mission BBQ will provide all veterans with a free sandwich in recognition of their service.

To learn more about the Purple Heart Truck, visit www.purpleheartfiretruck.com.