Purple Heart Day

Purple Heart Day

August 7

Purple Heart Day is observed in the United States and commemorates the establishment in 1782 of the Badge of Military Merit, an award created by George Washington to honor soldiers for their distinguished action in battle. The Purple Heart was not used after the Revolutionary War, but was restored in 1932 as an honor for those who have been wounded or killed in battle.
On August 7 throughout the country, local chapters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart sponsor services to remember and honor medal recipients from their communities. Taking place in a variety of locations, including parks, cemeteries, and state capitols, these ceremonies often feature prayers, military music, reminiscences by award recipients, and speeches by government and military officials. In some communities a picnic or potluck follows. Services are also scheduled at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, N.Y. The Hall of Honor opened in 2006 and is dedicated to collecting and preserving the stories of those who have earned a Purple Heart medal. It is located on the site of Washington's last encampment and the site where the first modern recipients of the Purple Heart were awarded their medals in 1932.

CONTACTS:
Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation
P.O. Box 49
Annandale, VA 22003
703-354-2140; fax: 703-642-2054
www.purpleheart.org
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
P.O. Box 207
374 Temple Hill Rd.
Vails Gate, NY 12584-0207
877-284-6667 or 845-561-1765; fax: 845-569-0382
thepurpleheart.com

SOURCES:
PatHols-2006, p. 254
(c)

Celebration day: Aug 7