NATIONAL PURPLE HEART DAY IS A TIME TO HONOR OUR MILITARY
Some military awards stand out more than others for a number of reasons, including popular media, their meaning, and how often they are given. Purple Heart Day honors the incredible bravery and sacrifice the heroes of our nation provide through service.
What Is Purple Heart Day?
National Purple Heart Day remembers the history of the Purple Heart award along with the sacrifice those who have earned the award have made for our freedoms. Purple Heart Day is on August 7th. This is the date in 1782, when the precursor to the award was first awarded by George Washington. There are almost 1.8 million people who can lay claim to being a part of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. This military holiday is important not only for remembering the history of the award but also for advocating for those who have been wounded along with their families.
History and Origins
George Washington awarded the first Purple Heart, the Badge of Merit, to Soldiers in the Continental Army. Washington only provided three awards during his time. Back then, it was a piece of silk featuring a thin edge of silver bound through the material. However, Washington understood its importance and authorized others to provide awards when necessary. The Badge of Merit faded in its use over time but was revived in 1932 as the Purple Heart we know today, honoring those wounded in combat and for commendable actions. In 1944, it was to specifically honor those wounded or killed in action. General Douglas MacArthur was the first to receive the modern Purple Heart during World War II and since, around 1.8 million have been awarded throughout the military. The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), formed in 1932, consists only of Purple Heart recipients and is the only Veteran’s Service Organization of its kind, exclusively made up of combat wounded Vets. Since 1957, the Purple Heart Foundation has been in place as an advocate, funding services and programs for Veterans with a particular focus on those who were wounded. Purple Heart Day is a part of Purple Heart Month. It was first observed in 2014, to honor the bravery of troops while raising awareness of the impacts of war on Veterans and their families. Now, the day is a time for emphasizing the need for support and resources for Veterans and their families in life after service. It's also a reminder of the sacrifices necessary for our freedoms.
How to Celebrate Purple Heart Day
If you’re looking to observe Purple Heart Day, there are plenty of ways to do so. It’s important to “celebrate” holidays like this because the sacrifice of those who receive such awards. Whether it’s your first time learning about the holiday or you’ve been observing it for years, here are a few ideas of what you can do to commemorate our wounded warfighters on August 7th:
- Say Thank You: If you know someone who has earned a Purple Heart, reach out and thank them for their service. You can also cook Veterans and/or their families a meal. Or, you can provide them with any other act of kindness to let them know they’re appreciated.
- Workout: Going for a run, doing a MURPH, hitting the gym, or simply exercising can be a great way to honor those who have served.
- Volunteer: If there are Veteran organizations, particularly those involving Purple Heart Vets, this is a great time to give back. If you don’t have enough time, donations are also a great way to help the military community.
- Hold a Moment of Silence: Maybe you pray. Perhaps you meditate. You might simply sit back and reflect on your freedoms. Whatever you do, take some time to be thankful that people are willing to sacrifice their lives for all of our freedoms.
Purple Heart Day is an annual military holiday everyone should observe as we remember the brave military personnel it honors. Suggested reads:
