Purple Heart Day

Purple Heart Day History

Purple Heart Day seeks to honor the individuals that were wounded or killed in action while serving in the military. The Purple Heart Medal is given to those who displayed not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way.

According to uso.org, as of 2019 about 1.8 million Purple Heart medals have been given to service members since it’s inception in 1782. George Washington is credited with the origin of the Purple Heart medal. Then is was originally known as the Badge of Military Merit.