When Is National Purple Heart Day: On August 7, Purple Heart Day, people should remember and help others. The brave men and women who served their country and were hurt or killed in the process are honored during this time. In honor of the President, these people are given the Purple Heart for their service. Every year on this day, we remember them.
On Purple Heart Day, some states, counties, cities, sports teams, and entertainment groups stop what they’re doing. Veterans and military groups hold meetings and ceremonies to remember the dead. Come with us as we honor those who have been given the Purple Heart.
History of Purple Heart Day
The first Purple Heart was made by George Washington in 1782. It was first called a Badge of Merit. The purpose of this award was to honor enlistees for their brave and honorable service in the Continental Army during a tough economic time. This silk award was given for “any singularly meritorious action.” Washington only gave out three badges himself. He then told his subordinates to hand them out however they saw fit.
After losing popularity, the Badge of Merit was brought back to life as the Purple Heart in 1932. This version recognized both brave actions and injuries sustained in battle. In 1944, there was a small change to the rules that made it clear that the Purple Heart was meant to honor the lives of those who had been killed or hurt.
The first person to receive the modern Purple Heart was General Douglas MacArthur, who fought in the Pacific Theater of World War II. There have been almost 1.8 million Purple Hearts given out over the years.
Every year since it began in 2014, Purple Heart Day has been held. It helps us remember the brave people who fought for our country and makes sure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Is Purple Heart Day a Public Holiday?
There is no such thing as a day off. Businesses, schools, and government buildings are all open as usual on this day, but to mark the occasion, special events and outreach programs may be planned.
On this day, people remember veterans and fallen soldiers and thank them for their service by listening to their stories and thanking them.
The first Purple Heart organization was set up on August 7, 1782, by General George Washington, who was in charge of the Continental Army. It was called the Badge of Military Merit when it was first given to three Continental troops in 1783.
After the American War of Independence, medals were not given out again until 1932, which was George Washington’s birthday. A notice from February 22, 1932, said that Purple Heart Medals should be given to people who died or were hurt in enemy action while serving in the US Armed Forces on or after April 5, 1917. The US officially joined World War I on April 6, 1917.
Why Purple Heart Day is Important
In addition, it considers the costs that service members bear.
Purple Heart Day is a solemn tribute to American soldiers who have died or been hurt on the job. On this day, we remember and honor the brave people who risk their lives every day to protect our freedom.
This is a warning to be careful.
Honoring those who have given their all for their country on Purple Heart Day makes people more aware of how important it is to stay patriotic and alert in order to protect our nation’s safety. The strong message is that we should never take our freedoms for granted.
It draws attention to the problems that veterans may be having.
Let’s remember and honor the brave men and women who have served in war today, and let’s also pay attention to how they are cared for when they get back home. Part of this is understanding their unique needs as veterans, like making sure they can get health care, job training, school financial aid, and other things.
HOW TO OBSERVE PURPLE HEART DAY
We should honor all Purple Heart recipients on Purple Heart Day. Plus, it’s a chance to find out more about the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
As you honor these heroes, learn more about their lives.
Read “For Military Merit: Recipients of the Purple Heart” by Fred L. Borch and “Purple Heart” by Patricia McCormick.
The documentary “Purple Heart Warriors: Tears of a Warrior” by Tony Seahorn is a good choice.
Learn more about the history of the Purple Heart by going to military museums like The National WWII Museum and The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.
You can also celebrate by telling other people what you found. Thank the people who received the Purple Heart and talk about why Purple Heart Day is important. Add the hashtag #PurpleHeartDay to all of your social media posts.
Purple Heart Day timeline
George Washington gave the Purple Heart award to soldiers in 1782.
Happy Birthday in February 1932
On George Washington’s 200th birthday, the prize was remembered for the first time in forever.
Power in the Military in 1932
People who have been awarded the Purple Heart can now join the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).
Purple Heart Day is a holiday that starts in 2014.
What day is National Purple Heart Day?
August 7
On Purple Heart Day, observed every year on August 7, we honor and remember the brave current and former service members who were wounded or killed in action while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
On August 7, Purple Heart Day is celebrated to remember when the country’s first military honor for bravery was created. People who are part of the Military Order of the Purple Heart get the Purple Heart award. A total of six famous soldiers wore the Badge of Military Merit during the American Revolutionary War.
It was created by General George Washington in 1782 to honor soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” A heart-shaped piece of purple silk with a thin silver border was part of its design. There were stitches of merit all over the face. Even though it stood for the bravery and devotion of American Patriots, no one knows who made the emblem.
The Order of the Purple Heart was created on Washington’s 200th birthday, thanks to the work of General Douglas MacArthur. Before that, the Purple Heart was just a footnote in Revolutionary War history. The current medal has a coat of arms and a bust of George Washington on it.
National Geographic says that nearly 1.9 million service members have received Purple Hearts since the program began, but there is no longer a full list of all the recipients. In the United States, it is still the oldest award given to active duty military members. Prior to 1944, the Purple Heart was also given to service members for their bravery. However, after that date, it could only be given to people who were killed or seriously hurt in combat.
What does a Purple Heart stand for?
The Purple Heart medal is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military. A Purple Heart is a solemn distinction and means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty.
The Purple Heart medal is given to soldiers who were killed or seriously hurt by enemy action while serving in the US military. Military members who have given their lives or made the ultimate sacrifice are given the Purple Heart.
The Purple Heart medal is given to soldiers who died or were hurt while serving in the US military because of enemy action, when a service member makes the ultimate sacrifice or costs a lot while on active duty, they are given a Purple Heart.
More than 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been given to service members since the organization began in 1782, according to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.
To honor Purple Heart Day, here are nine interesting facts about the Purple Heart Medal and the people who have worn it in the past:
In the United States, the Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration that is still given to active-duty soldiers.
The Fidelity Medallion, which was created by the Continental Congress in 1780 and was the forerunner of the Purple Heart, was only given to three soldiers.
President George Washington got rid of the Fidelity Medallion and replaced it with the Badge of Military Merit in 1782. This is thought to be the first military medal in the United States and is similar to the Purple Heart.
One of the first medals given to all ranks in the military was the Purple Heart.
In the years before 1782, military decorations were usually only given to officers who won important battles.
The Purple Heart Medal and Who Can Get It Today
Army General Douglas MacArthur helped change the look of the prize and give it a new name in 1932.
MacArthur created the official look and name, the Washington Commission of Fine Arts, and Elizabeth Will, who was an expert in heraldry in the Army’s Office of the Quartermaster General.
Who has the most Purple Hearts?
Albert L. Ireland
Albert L. Ireland – Marine Corps. Staff Sergeant Albert Ireland has the distinction of being awarded the most Purple Hearts of any individual across all branches of service. During his 12 years of service – spanning two wars from 1941 to 1953 – Ireland was wounded a total of nine times.
Officer Albert Ireland, Staff Sergeant, has the most Purple Hearts of anyone in any branch of the military. During his 12-year service, Ireland was very brave. He fought in two wars and got nine wounds.
During WWII, he fought bravely with the Marines in the Pacific, where he was hurt five times. He got four more wounds during the Korean War. The worst of them required medical release.
How many Purple Hearts exist?
How many Purple Hearts have been awarded? As there was not a consistent record kept since the award was established in 1932, we can only estimate the total number which have been awarded. At this time, it estimated that there may have been 1.8 million Purple Hearts awarded.
Since records are only sometimes kept up to date, it’s hard to say exactly how many Purple Hearts have been given since the medal was first given in 1932. The number of Purple Hearts that may have been given is 1.8 million. Over the years, the requirements for getting the award have changed.
It started with the First World War. After some time, it was changed to include people with “wound chevrons” or “certificates of merit.” From 1932 to 1942, veterans and people who were still in the service could apply for the award. It is said that the first people to get them did so during the American Civil War. From 1942 on, the medal could only be given to people who were killed or hurt by the enemy on or after April 5, 1917.
Wartime problems, like the fire at the National Personnel Papers Center in 1973 and the loss of papers during an attack on headquarters, have made it harder to find people who have received the Purple Heart.
Why is August 7th Purple Heart?
The Purple Heart was first created on August 7, 1782 by General George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
As Chief of Staff of the Continental Army on August 7, 1782, General George Washington created the Purple Heart. It was first called the Badge of Military Merit. Three men from the American Revolution were the first to get it in 1783. After the American Revolution, medals were not given out again until 1932, which was George Washington’s 200th birthday.
Purple Heart Medals were to be given to people who died or were hurt in the US Armed Forces on or after April 5, 1917. That’s when the US officially joined World War I on April 6.
On the front of the heart-shaped purple Purple Heart medal, which has a gold band around it, there is a picture of George Washington. The words “for military merit” are written on the back of the medal. A strip of purple silk with a silver edge goes around the medal.Â
At least 1.8 million Purple Heart Medals have been given out since it was restored, according to the most recent figures. The Purple Heart is now given to military members who have shown bravery and honor in fighting certain domestic terrorist groups and in times of war, in addition to those who have served in wars abroad.
It’s also called Purple Heart Appreciation Day, Purple Heart Recognition Day, and National Purple Heart Day. Many places of business, the government, schools, and other services are open on this public holiday. On this day, memorial services and special events put on by veterans and military groups celebrate troops, veterans, and Purple Heart recipients. A lot of people also choose to fly the American flag at their homes and places of work to show support for the military.
