Purple Heart Day | August 7th | On This Day We Pause
This date in history was chosen because General George Washington first authorized the Badge of Military Merit on August 7th, 1782. What began as a simple purple cloth heart meant to honor enlisted soldiers’ gallantry, later became the Purple Heart we know of today. Some of us intimately.
Revived in 1932, more than 1.8 million of these awards have been presented for wounds or death caused by enemy action. It is not a medal anyone desires or pursues but for the serious, personal sacrifice while wearing the uniform. Recipients carry physical, emotional and invisible scars.
Living recipients who still walk among us deserve to be honored for their dutiful service. We also remember those who never came home and acknowledge the families who share the ultimate cost. The purple heart is a quiet, permanent reminder that freedom is never free. Never will be.
On August 7th, and every day, that sacrifice demands respect. On this day we pause.
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