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ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: AUGUST 7, 1782 National Purple Heart Day, General George Washington's "Badge of Military Merit" Meaning, History, Significance & How It's Observed National Purple Heart Day, observed annually on August 7th, honours U.S. Armed Forces members wounded or killed in combat, symbolizing their sacrifice, courage, and patriotism. The award's origins trace back to General George Washington's "Badge of Military Merit" in 1782, later re-established as the Purple Heart in 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur. While early recipients included William Brown and Elijah Churchill, and later Annie G. Fox as the first woman, the criteria for the award narrowed in 1944 to specifically recognize those wounded or killed in action. Americans observe this day through various activities like reading, watching documentaries, visiting military museums, and sharing on social media, all aimed at remembering personal sacrifices, upholding military valor, and educating the public. https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=purple+heart+day+george+washinton+speech&mid=4757FC775C0C731678FD4757FC775C0C731678FD&mmscn=stvo&FORM=VAMTRV