National Purple Heart Day:
This Badge of Military Merit is the oldest in History
National Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7 to honor U.S. service members who were wounded or killed in action. The date commemorates the establishment of the original Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, making it the oldest military decoration in the United States.
The award was revived and officially designated as the Purple Heart in 1932 to honor the bicentennial of Washington’s birth. It is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action. Since its inception, over 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded, with notable recipients including President John F. Kennedy.
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