On August 7, 1782, General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, the award that would later become known as the Purple Heart, to recognize soldiers who displayed extraordinary bravery and fidelity during the Revolutionary War. Considered the oldest military decoration still awarded to U.S. service members, it was created to honor sacrifice and valor on the battlefield.

As the fight for American independence stretched into its later years, Washington recognized the need for a way to formally acknowledge the courage of ordinary soldiers, not just officers. The Badge of Military Merit was created to ensure that meritorious service and unwavering commitment would be recognized regardless of rank.

The original award consisted of a purple cloth heart, worn over the left breast, and was given to soldiers who demonstrated singularly meritorious action. Recipients were entered into a special "Book of Merit," and the honor entitled them to pass military guards and sentinels without challenge. Although rarely awarded during Washington's lifetime, the badge established a lasting precedent of honoring the sacrifices of the common soldier.

The award fell out of use after the Revolutionary War but was revived in 1932, on the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth, as the modern Purple Heart Medal. Today, it is awarded to U.S. service members who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the armed forces. More than 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded throughout American history, making it one of the most widely recognized military honors in the nation.

The Purple Heart also carries deep symbolic weight beyond the battlefield. It represents not only physical sacrifice but also the resilience and dedication of those who answered the call to serve, often at great personal cost.

Although the medal itself dates back centuries, National Purple Heart Day was formally established in 2014 to give Americans a dedicated occasion to honor recipients, both living and deceased. Communities across the country mark the day with ceremonies, flag displays, and moments of remembrance for those who bore the physical wounds of service.

Today, August 7 is remembered as National Purple Heart Day, a day that honors the courage and sacrifice of wounded and fallen service members while reminding the nation of the enduring cost of freedom.