The University of Alabama is honoring those who sacrificed for their country by making their lives a little easier.

On Aug. 9, the university will unveil a parking space at Ferguson Center lot designated for veterans who have received the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart, the nation's oldest military medal, is given to military members who have been wounded or killed while serving their country.

The parking space, located in the Ferguson Center lot, will be marked with a Purple Heart logo and a special sign, according to the university.

"Honoring veterans in this way shows the commitment and dedication UA has for taking care of these students," said David Blair, director of Veteran and Military Affairs at UA. "This is just one more reason UA continues to be recognized as a Top Military and Veteran friendly university. Currently we serve just over 4,000 veterans, service members, and dependents. The financial impact these students have at UA and in the local community annually is well over $40 million."

UA currently has two registered Purple Heart recipients in its student body and is a Purple Heart University, a designation signifying its recognition and honor of veterans who were wounded in combat.

In addition to the designated Ferguson center spot, UA's Purple Heart recipients will be able to register with Veteran and Military Affairs to receive a Purple Heart hang-tag that will allow them park in any spot or zone on campus, except for handicapped spaces.

The new Purple Heart marker will be officially unveiled at an Aug. 9 ceremony in the parking lot along Campus Drive west of the Ferguson Center. Retired Air Force Col. and Purple Heart recipient Duane Lamb, assistant vice president for facilities and grounds and commander of the Purple Heart chapter in Tuscaloosa, will speak at the 11 a.m. event.