Every August 7th, National Purple Heart Day honors the men and women who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving the United States. It's one of the quieter observances on the calendar, but for the families and communities touched by it, few days carry more weight.

The Oldest Military Decoration Still Awarded

The Purple Heart traces back to 1782, when George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit, a purple, heart-shaped cloth patch awarded to soldiers for "any singularly meritorious action." It fell out of use for over a century before being revived in 1932, on the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth, as the medal we recognize today. That makes it the oldest military award still given to U.S. service members, and the only one awarded specifically for being wounded or killed in action.

Why August 7th

The date isn't arbitrary, it actually marks the anniversary of the medal's 1782 origin under Washington. Congress and the Military Order of the Purple Heart established August 7th as the day to formally recognize the more than 1.8 million Americans who have received the honor across every conflict since the Revolutionary War.

A Flag Etiquette Note

Unlike some military observances, Purple Heart Day doesn't call for half-staff by federal proclamation, but many organizations and individuals choose to fly the Purple Heart flag or a service flag alongside the American flag as a gesture of respect. If you know a Purple Heart recipient in your community, flying a flag in their honor on this day is a small but visible way to say their sacrifice is remembered.

How to Mark the Day

You don't need a grand gesture. A phone call or visit to a Purple Heart recipient, a moment of reflection at a local memorial, or simply flying your flag with a bit more intention on August 7th all count. Some towns hold small ceremonies at veterans' memorials, worth checking your local VFW or American Legion post for anything planned nearby.

The Purple Heart is unlike other medals.. no one wants to earn it, and everyone who does has paid a real price for it. Recognizing that on August 7th, however quietly, is worth the moment it takes.