On Valentine's Day, six local soldiers wounded in combat were bestowed with Purple Hearts.

The recipients recently returned from Iraq and are members of the same unit where eight soldiers have been killed in just two months.

Wednesday's ceremony was held at the Fort Bliss Air Defense Artillery Museum and included a slide-show presentation.

The mood was somber, highlighted with moments of prayer and remembrance.

"It recognizes that they were in combat, that they got hit. I think that's the main thing right there," said Charlie Shane of the Purple Heart Association.

Ft. Bliss officials refused to allow any of the recipients, their fellow soldiers, or friends and family to speak with the media.