Honor Those Who Serve, National Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7

Considered to be the first official military combat badge of the United States Armed Forces, this is called the “Badge for Military Merit.” The official successor decoration of the Badge of Military Merit is the Purple Heart.

Report by Paula Antolini
August 7, 2015 8:43PM EDT

Honor Those Who Serve, National Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7

Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7th.

A decoration consisting of a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk having a narrow edge of silver stitched with the word Merit across the face, was created by General George Washington on August 7, 1782.   Considered to be the first official military combat badge of the United States Armed Forces, this is called the “Badge for Military Merit.” The official successor decoration of the Badge of Military Merit is the Purple Heart.

Washington said the following regarding the Badge of Military Merit:

“The General ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding.  Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward.  Before this favor can be conferred on any man, the particular fact, or facts, on which it is to be grounded must be set forth to the Commander in chief accompanied with certificates from the Commanding officers of the regiment and brigade to which the Candidate for reward belonged, or other incontestable proofs, and upon granting it, the name and regiment of the person with the action so certified are to be enrolled in the book of merit which will be kept at the orderly office.  Men who have merited this last distinction to be suffered to pass all guards and sentinals which officers are permitted to do.  The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all.  This order is also to have retrospect to the earliest stages of war, and to be considered as a permanent one.”

CELEBRATE

Honor everyone you know that has received a Purple Heart.  Use #PurpleHeartDay to post on social media and inform others to do so as well.