On Aug. 7, Americans are encouraged to honor the courage and sacrifice of our nation's Purple Heart recipients during National Purple Heart Day.
First established by General George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782, as the Badge of Military Merit, today's Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed in action against an enemy. It is America's oldest military decoration still presented to service members.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart, the nation's only congressionally chartered veterans service organization composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, continues to serve veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families while preserving the legacy of those who have sacrificed in defense of our freedoms.
