Today is Purple Heart Day. To the 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients, we honor you. | U.S. Marine Corps

Today is Purple Heart Day. Please join us in honoring the more than 1.7 million combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients. | The National Guard

Purple Heart Day, observed every year on August 7, honors the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who were wounded or killed in action. The day commemorates the creation of the Purple Heart Medal, which traces its roots back to General George Washington, who established the original “Badge of Military Merit” on August 7, 1782, making it the first U.S. military decoration. The Purple Heart is an expression of gratitude to service members who have felt the physical impact of combat so the rest

Target for Today │ National Purple Heart Day │ August 7 In 1782, George Washington instituted the Purple Heart as the first American military decoration. Originally awarded for bravery in action, today the United States military awards the Purple Heart to members who were wounded or killed in action. An Oak Leaf Cluster is added for recipients awarded multiple Purple Hearts. The award of the medal during WWII became increasingly decentralized and given to hospital commanders and unit commanders