7 August 2026 0000
Observed annually on August 7th, Purple Heart Day commemorates the creation of America’s oldest military decoration for military merit. This solemn observance honors the brave men and women who are part of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The decoration’s origins date back to the American Revolutionary War, where the original award recognized soldiers for exceptional valor.
The Birth of the Badge of Merit
In 1782, General George Washington introduced the Badge of Merit to reward soldiers for singular acts of bravery. The badge featured a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk with silver embroidery. Although its exact designer remains unknown, the emblem symbolized the courage and devotion of American patriots.
Despite its profound significance, the award was largely forgotten until General Douglas MacArthur revived it in 1932 on Washington’s 200th birthday, establishing the modern Order of the Purple Heart. Today, the medal features a distinctive bust of George Washington alongside his family coat of arms.
A Legacy of Valor
Since its inception, nearly 1.9 million service members have received the award, making it the oldest U.S. military honor still actively presented. While early iterations recognized commendable actions or meritorious service, criteria shifted significantly in 1944. Since then, the decoration has been awarded exclusively to service members wounded or killed in action.
Significant Milestones
- The Badge of Military Merit originally replaced the Fidelity Medallion, with William Brown and Elijah Churchill recognized as the first historical recipients during the Revolutionary War.
- Army General Douglas MacArthur received the very first modern-day iteration of the medal.
- Army Lt. Annie G. Fox made history as the first woman to receive the award for her heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II.
How to Observe Purple Heart Day
Purple Heart Day serves as a vital time to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by wounded service members. Citizens can participate in several meaningful ways:
- Learn and Reflect: Educate yourself about the history of the award and read foundational texts like For Military Merit: Recipients of the Purple Heart by Fred L. Borch or Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick. You can also watch insightful documentaries such as Purple Heart Warriors: Tears of a Warrior by Tony Seahorn.
- Visit Museums: Explore dedicated institutions such as the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor or The National WWII Museum, which preserve comprehensive archives and personal stories.
- Share and Celebrate: Recognize local recipients and share their stories across social media platforms using the hashtag #PurpleHeartDay to raise awareness within your community.
10th Annual Purple Heart Poker Run
Join us for the 10th annual Purple Heart Poker Run. We are thrilled to celebrate a full decade of running this event.
Registration and the starting location will be held at Mike’s Famous Harley Davidson in New London, CT. Organizers will post specific route stops as the date approaches, so make sure you follow the event updates to stay fully informed.
Everyone is welcome to participate. If you no longer ride a motorcycle, or prefer four wheels, you can easily join the run in your car, truck, low rider, or any vehicle you choose.
- Hosted by: Guardians of the Purple Heart
- Contact: guardianspurpleheartct@gmail.com (guardianspurpleheartct@gmail.com)
- Location: Mike’s Famous Harley Davidson, 951 Bank St,, 951 Bank St, New London, CT 06320
History of the Observance
Since its 1932 revival, Purple Heart Day has been marked on various dates, including George Washington’s birthday and Valentine’s Day. Different states and municipalities historically encouraged citizens to support wounded veterans by purchasing purple violas. Over time, August 7th—the exact date of the award’s creation in 1782—became the universally recognized day of observance, ensuring that the sacrifices of our combat-wounded heroes are never forgotten.
The preceding information was provided by Doug Haynes.
Preserve the Sacrifice: The Roll of Honor
Help us commemorate and preserve the service of our nation’s recipients. If you are or know a recipient, ensure their history is recorded by enrolling them in the Roll of Honor database.
Managed exclusively by the Hall of Honor to address the lack of a centralized registry, the Roll of Honor relies on submissions from recipients, families, and friends.
- Enroll Online: Visit the official Roll of Honor Enrollment Page.
- Enroll By Phone: Call 845-561-1765 to request a physical form by mail. Completed forms require official documentation verifying the award before acknowledgment letters are mailed out.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.
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