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This Saturday, August 7th, is Purple Heart Day. People are encouraged to pay their respects to fallen soldiers, to listen to the stories of soldiers and veterans, and to thank them for their service to the nation.
The Purple Heart was first created on August 7, 1782 by the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, General George Washington. Then known as the Badge of Military Merit, it was awarded to 3 Revolutionary soldiers in 1783. Many millions of men and women have served their nation in combat since then but only about 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded.
It is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to members of the armed forces who are "wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces."
If you know a veteran who has been awarded the Purple Heart, this is a unique day to express your gratitude for their sacrifice to preserve our way of life.