Today is Purple Heart Day, which commemorates the creation of the oldest American military decoration for military merit. The Purple Heart honors the men and women who are of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
The Purple Heart dates back to the Revolutionary War. In 1782, General George Washington created the award to honor soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” The orginal was a purple heart-shaped piece of silk with a thin edge of silver and the word “Merit” embroidered across it. The designer of the award is unknown.
Until Washington’s 200th birthday, the Purple Heart persisted as a Revolutionary War footnote. Originally known as the Badge of Military Merit, it was awarded to three revolutionary soldiers in 1783. After the end of the American Revolution no medals were awarded until 1932 when the medal was revived on the bicentennial anniversary of George Washington’s birth. According to a paper dated February 22, 1932, the Purple Heart Medals were to be awarded to those wounded or killed while serving in the United States Armed Forces as a result of enemy action on or after April 5, 1917 as the United States officially joined World War I on April 6 of that year.
Through the efforts of General Douglas MacArthur, the U.S. War Department created the Order of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart award is a heart shaped purple medal with a gold border. The front features a profile of George Washington and his coat of arms while the back has the words “for military merit” inscribed on it. The medal is attached to a piece of purple silk with a silver border.
While an accurate and complete list of names no longer exists, National Geographic recently estimated that nearly 1.9 million service members have earned Purple Hearts since its creation. It is the oldest U.S. military honor still bestowed upon service members today. Until 1944, the Purple Heart recognized service members’ commendable actions as well. Then in 1944, the requirements limited the award to only those wounded or killed in combat. Today, in addition to being awarded to those who fought in wars overseas, the Purple Heart is also given to military personnel who display bravery and valor while fighting certain types of domestic terrorists and as prisoners of war.
Purple Heart Firsts
- The Badge of Military Merit replaced the Fidelity Medallion. At the time, William Brown and Elijah Churchill received the first honors with the Badge of Military Merit during the Revolutionary War.
- Army General Douglas MacArthur received the first modern-day Purple Heart.
- The first woman receives a Purple Heart. Following her actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Army Lt. Annie G. Fox received the Purple Heart during World War II.
Purple Heart Day encourages us to honor everyone who has received a Purple Heart. We can also learn more about the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
While celebrating the heroes who earned the honor, learn more about them.
- Read For Military Merit: Recipients of the Purple Heart by Fred L. Borch or Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick.
- Watch a documentary. We recommend Purple Heart Warriors: Tears of a Warrior by Tony Seahorn.
- Visit a military museum. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor or The National WWII Museum both offer in-depth history on the Purple Heart.
Another way to celebrate is by sharing your discoveries. You can also recognize someone who has received a Purple Heart. Express why you think it’s important to celebrate Purple Heart Day. When you do, use #PurpleHeartDay to post on social media.
Since 1932, Americans have celebrated Purple Heart Day on both Washington’s birthday and Valentine’s Day. Some states and cities observed the day in their own way at different times throughout the year. Each declaration encouraged citizens to support wounded veterans with the purchase of a purple viola. No matter when the observance occurred, it recognized the men and women killed and wounded in combat and their heroic actions. As the day evolved, it more commonly was observed on the day of the Purple Heart’s creation, August 7, 1782.
This observance is also called Purple Heart Appreciation Day, Purple Heart Recognition Day, and National Purple Heart Day. This day is an unofficial observance, meaning that businesses, government offices, schools, and other services remain open. Veterans and military organizations hold remembrance meetings for fallen heroes and special events to thank soldiers, veterans, and Purple Heart recipients on this day. Many people also choose to fly the American flag at their homes and businesses to show their solidarity with the troops.
Information from National Day Calendar and Museum of the American G.I.
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