Purple Heart Day
On August 7th, Purple Heart Day honors the establishment of the country's oldest military decoration for military achievement. The Purple Heart honors both men and women who are members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. During the American Revolutionary War, the Badge for Military Merit awarded six known soldiers.
#purpleheartday
In 1782, General George Washington created the Badge of Merit... For "any singularly meritorious act," Washington intended the award to soldiers. A purple, heart-shaped piece of silk tied with a thin strip of silver was included in Its' design. The word Merit was embroidered in silver across the face. No one knows who created the award, although the badge represented the courage and sacrifice of an American Patriot.
The Purple Heart persisted as a Revolutionary War footnote long before Washington's 200th birthday. The Order of the Purple Heart was created by the US War Department in response to General Douglas MacArthur's efforts. Today the medal bears a bust of George Washington and his coat of arms.
Although a complete and detailed list of names exists, National Geographic recently reported that nearly 1.9 million service members have earned Purple Hearts since its inception. Service members are still being honoured by the United States military honor today, which is the oldest U.S. military award bestowed on service members today. The Purple Heart acknowledged service members' commendable conduct as well until 1944. Then in 1944, the conditions were limited to only those who were wounded or killed in combat.
Purple heart firsts
- The Fidelity Medallion was awarded to Military Merit by the Badge of Military Merit. During the Revolutionary War, William Brown and Elijah Churchill received the first awards with the Badge of Military Merit during the Revolutionary War
- The first modern-day Purple Heart was awarded by Army General Douglas MacArthur
- The first woman is given a Purple Heart. Army Lt. Annie G. Fox was given the Purple Heart during World War II due to her actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor
How to Observe Purple Heart Day.
Purple Heart Day encourages us to honor anyone who has been given a Purple Heart. In addition, we can now learn more about the Purple Heart's Military Order.
Find out more about the heroes who were lauded while learning more about them.
- Patricia McCormick's Purple Heart by Fred L. Borch or Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick
- Watch a documentary online. We recommend Purple Heart Warriors: Tears of a Warrior by Tony Seahorn
- Visit a military museum on visit. The Purple Heart Hall of Honor or The National WWII Museum both have in-depth information on the Purple Heart
Sharing your findings is another way to celebrate. In addition, you can now identify someone who has been given a Purple Heart. Express why you believe celebrating Purple Heart Day is important. When you do, use #PurpleHeartDay to post on social media.
History of purple heart day has a purple hue day
Since 1932, Americans have celebrated Purple Heart Day on both Washington's birthday and Valentine's Day. Several states and cities celebrated the day in their own way at different times throughout the year. Each pledge encouraged people to help wounded veterans by purchasing a purple viola.
It didn't matter when the observance took place, it honored the men and women who were killed and wounded in combat as well as their brave acts. As the day progressed, it became more popular on the day of the Purple Heart's creation, August 7, 1782.
