Purple Heart Day – Honoring our Veterans

On August 7th we celebrate Purple Heart Day in remembrance of the brave servicemen and women who were injured or lost their lives in battle. The Purple Heart is actually the oldest military medal given to service members. The tradition dates back as far as 1782, when the first Purple Heart was given out by George Washington to award individuals for their above and beyond service. However, this tradition disappeared and was once again brought back to life in 1932 to honor those wounded and killed in battle instead.

While being awarded a Purple Heart remains a vast honor, it is actually unknown as to how many service members have been given this medal. It is estimated that roughly 1.8 million veterans have been awarded a Purple Heart so far. This is the reason as to why one must enroll to receive a Purple Heart, since there is no comprehensive list of those who have received a Purple Heart.

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in Hudson River Valley, New York on the site of the New Windsor Cantonment, a military post during the Revolutionary War that housed over 7,500 soldiers. The location is fitting due to the fact that officials during the war met here to choose service members for the Badge of Military Merit, which was the inspiration for the Purple Heart.

Interested in finding a Purple Heart Recipient? The Roll of Honor, an online database providing names and stories of Purple Heart Recipients, makes this possible. It can only be accessed through computers at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and online through the Purple Heart website. Stories and photographs are shared on the site through submissions.

Today, make sure to thank a fellow veteran for their service to our country. If you want to make their day extra special, submit a request to Purple Heart for a loved one who was injured in battle. Purple Heart Day symbolizes the selflessness and bravery of our servicemen and women who put their lives on the line to protect our country.