National Purple Heart Day

Young military veteran surrounded by purple flowers, wearing purple attire, patriotic backdrop of American flag.. — National purple heart day illustration

Hello good citizens of our beloved internet! Did you color your calendar purple for August 7th and wonder why? That's because it's National Purple Heart Day! This special day might be all about royal hues, but it isn't only about painting the town purple. Let's jump in!

When is Purple Heart Day?

It's national purple heart day on the 7th August.

What is National Purple Heart Day?

The National Purple Heart Day is an observance that honors the brave men and women who have been wounded or killed in military service. Initiated in 1782 by General George Washington, the Purple Heart is the oldest military award that combatants in the U.S. are still receiving.

Internet Talks National Purple Heart Day

Our records here show a gripping 10771 mentions of National Purple Heart Day online, with the most mentions being on, you guessed it right, August 7, 2020. It seems netizens resonated with the heart (purple, mind you) of this ceremonial day.

How to Observe?

The most beautiful part about this day is that you can observe it in a multitude of ways; from attending commemorative ceremonies, to supporting veteran's organizations, to posting about it on social media with #PurpleHeartDay to keep the conversation going. So pull out your finest purple gear and join in.

A Salute to the Brave

There's undoubtedly a heartfelt sincere nature to this day, but that doesn't mean it can't also bring a smile. Maybe bake those cookies in the shape of a purple heart. Hey, even if they come out looking like indigo blobs, they're still purple-ish, right?

History behind the term 'Purple Heart'

1782

The Birth of the Badge

In 1782, during the Revolutionary War, General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit. This badge was awarded to soldiers who demonstrated exceptional bravery and gallantry in combat. It consisted of a purple cloth heart-shaped patch, embroidered with silver thread. It was a rare and prestigious honor, and only three soldiers were known to have received the badge during the Revolutionary War.

1932

Recognition by the U.S. War Department

After the United States entered World War I in 1917, it became evident that a new military award was needed to honor soldiers wounded or killed in action. Building upon the concept of the Badge of Military Merit, the U.S. War Department reintroduced the purple heart as a military decoration in 1932. The design was updated to a purple heart-shaped medal with a profile of George Washington in the center. The medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for wounds received in combat or posthumously to the next of kin of those who died in service.

1945

Expansion to Include All Services

Initially, the purple heart was only awarded to Army personnel. However, in 1945, during World War II, the award was expanded to include all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. This allowed sailors, Marines, and airmen to be eligible for the purple heart if they were wounded or killed in action while serving in their respective branches.

1984

Allowance for PTSD-Related Cases

In 1984, the criteria for the purple heart were expanded once again. This time, it was decided that service members diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of their military service would also be eligible for the purple heart. This recognition further acknowledged the mental and emotional impact of war on soldiers.

2008

Purple Heart Day

In 2008, the U.S. Congress designated August 7th as Purple Heart Day, a day to honor and remember the sacrifices made by recipients of the purple heart. On this day, Americans across the country pay tribute to wounded and fallen service members, and raise awareness about the significance of the purple heart as a symbol of courage and sacrifice.

Did you know?

Did you know that the Purple Heart was originally known as the Badge of Military Merit? General Washington himself designed it, and it was literally a purple, heart shaped badge!