A Purple Heart medal on display. The medal has a raised portrait of George Washington, who first commissioned the similar “Badge of Military Merit”; the three stars and two bars above it are Washington’s family crest. (Shutterstock/Andy Dean Photography)

Today Is ‘Purple Heart Day’—Here’s Where the Iconic Service Medal Comes From

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The Purple Heart was formally established in 1932, but based on another award issued by George Washington almost exactly 150 years earlier.

At the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes on July 29, six US servicemembers were recognized for their wounds during a March 2003 insider attack in Kuwait. They are the latest American military personnel to be awarded the famed Purple Heart, and sadly, they’re not likely to be the last.

“To the recipients, your courage, your sacrifice, and your dedication inspire us,” said Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, during the ceremony. “To the families, we know you bear the weight. You bear it differently, but the weight is the same. Thank you for your resilience, your sacrifice and your unwavering support. You strengthen us.”

The timing of the ceremony was notable. The whole month of August is meant to honor the brave men and women who were wounded or killed in combat. In addition, August 7 is officially designated as “Purple Heart Day,” explicitly commemorating servicemembers who have received the Purple Heart—a medal awarded to servicemembers killed or wounded in pursuit of their duties.

Why Is Purple Heart Day on August 7?

On August 7, 1782, General George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, commissioned the “Badge of Military Merit.” The award was simple, consisting of a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk bound with a thin edge of silver, with the word “merit” embroidered........

© The National Interest