National Purple Heart Day!

Most people do not know what National Purple Heart Day is unless they have relatives or know someone who has a Purple Heart medal.

However, this is a very special day for me. There are 17 Purple Heart medals in my family. I am a military veteran, and I do observe this day every year. My family has shed its share of blood for this country, and we take that matter very seriously. I have had family members killed and wounded in action while serving our country's military and preserving the freedom we all enjoy today.

National Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7 every year to honor the brave men and women who were wounded or gave their life, while serving our country and preserving our freedoms. It’s a day to acknowledge the sacrifices made by Purple Heart recipients and express gratitude for their service.

What does the Purple Heart Commemorate? The Purple Heart medal is awarded to service members wounded or killed by enemy action.

The Purple Heart has a long list of criteria for eligibility. In general, it may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been wounded, killed in action, or have died or may die from wounds received in any action against the United States, action with an opposing armed force, the results of any hostile “foreign force” and many other situations where men and women in uniform may find themselves under attack. The Purple Heart is now given to persons who are injured, wounded, or died while a prisoner of war (POW).

Originally created as the "Badge of Military Merit" by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, the Purple Heart is the nation's oldest military decoration. Washington created the decoration to recognize regular soldiers and non-commissioned officers who demonstrated "not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way," during the American Revolution.

Reintroduced in 1932 on the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth, it is estimated that over 1.9 million Purple Hearts have been awarded to servicemembers in the name of the President of the United States.

Unfortunately, there is no official or complete list documenting Purple Heart recipients. It is ranked immediately behind the Bronze Star Medal and ahead of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal in order of precedence and is one of the most recognized and respected honors awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Today, Army regulations specified the current design of the decoration as an enamel heart, purple in color and showing a relief profile of George Washington in Continental Army uniform within a quarter-inch bronze border. Above the enameled heart is Washington's family coat of arms between two sprays of leaves. On the reverse side, below the shield and leaves, is a raised bronze heart without enamel bearing the inscription "For Military Merit."

First observed in 2014, the day is a chance to reflect and honor the bravery of those who fought and risked their lives for the United States.

While not a federal holiday, National Purple Heart Day is marked by various events, including flag-raising ceremonies, pre-game ceremonies at Major League Baseball games. Major League Baseball teams pay homage to their local Purple Heart recipients during special pre-game and 7th-inning ceremonies, and moments of silence, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Veteran and military organizations hold remembrance meetings for fallen heroes and special events to thank soldiers, veterans, and Purple Heart recipients on this day.

States, counties, and cities pause in recognition of the service and sacrifice of their local sons and daughters as do sports and entertainment entities.

People take the time to listen to soldiers and veterans and learn more about their life stories and their military service.

American flags are flown at homes and businesses.

Here is some interesting information about the Purple Heart.

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is in New Windsor, New York, and serves as a place to honor and remember Purple Heart recipients.

Who is the only U.S. President to receive a Purple Heart?

John F. Kennedy is the only U.S. President to have received the Purple Heart. He was awarded the medal for injuries sustained during his World War II service in the Navy when his patrol torpedo boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer. He also received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his bravery in rescuing a member of his crew after the incident.

So, if you know someone who has shed their blood for the United States of America and they wear a Purple Heart, please thank them for preserving our freedom.