What Is National Purple Heart Day and Why Does It Matter
August 7 and the History Behind the Date
National Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7 to honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States military who have been wounded or killed in action while serving their country. The date was chosen to commemorate August 7, 1782, the day General George Washington established the original decoration that would eventually become the Purple Heart.
Purple Heart Day is not a federal holiday, but it is celebrated in a variety of ways throughout the nation, including ceremonies, community events and public tributes. Each year, groups such as American Gold Star Mothers and the National Purple Heart Honor Mission go to great lengths to honor and thank those military personnel who have been wounded in combat for their unwavering bravery and sacrifice.
Purple Heart Day is even more important in 2026, when America marks its 250th birthday. The men and women who have suffered the physical scars of defending this nation for 250 years merit to be remembered and honoured by the very deepest of respects.
The Origin of the Purple Heart: From George Washington to Today
The Badge of Military Merit 1782
The Purple Heart isn't a product of a factory or a design studio, it's a product of a battlefield. On August 7, 1782, General George Washington signed an order creating the Badge of Military Merit, a cloth badge in the shape of a "purple heart", to recognize "any unusual gallantry and extraordinary fidelity" shown by soldiers in their service to the Continental Army.
There are only three Revolutionary War soldiers known to have been awarded the Badge of Military Merit. Once Washington's death, the decoration was not used again for more than 100 years. The concept behind it, however, has never been lost: that of commemorating those who sacrificed their bodies for their nation.
The Badge of Military Merit is the oldest military decoration in continuous use in the United States and links together all American military generations from 1782 to the present day.
How the Purple Heart Was Reinstated in 1932
The War Department officially restored the Purple Heart as a military decoration on February 22, 1932, the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birthday. The new medal was a gold purple heart with the portrait of George Washington, hanging from a purple and white ribbon.
Originally given for meritorious service, they were later taken down to combat wounds and in action against an enemy of the United States. The Purple Heart is one of the most solemn and significant military decorations in the American armed forces today, and is issued to those who have been wounded or killed in action against an enemy or by enemy activity.
Who Receives the Purple Heart Medal
Nearly Two Million Americans Have Earned This Honor
The Purple Heart is a sacrifice of a magnitude that can be hard to fathom. It has been awarded to nearly two million Americans in all major U.S. conflicts since it was restored in 1932. American soldiers have remained dedicated, willing to take the risk and continue to serve on the battlefields of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, in the deserts of Iraq, and in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Each Purple Heart represents a wound. A hospital room. A family awaiting information. A life forever altered. Yet, the vast majority of Purple Heart recipients talk about their service experiences in a positive way, and state that they will do it again without ever being tempted.
Stories of Valor and Sacrifice
Each Purple Heart has a story to tell. Dan Clarino is a two time Purple Heart recipient, Vietnam veteran, and First Vice President of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission Board of Directors whose decades of experience in sharing his story and advocating for other combat wounded veterans is now in her own voice. His efforts also led to the first Purple Heart recipients ever being brought into the White House for a historic ceremony where President Trump personally recognized their service and sacrifice.
Events such as Clarino's remind us that the Purple Heart Roll of Honor is nothing more than a list of names. It is life dedicated to a greater purpose than life.
How to Observe and Honor Purple Heart Day
Community Ceremonies and Tribute Events
Communities around the country host ceremonies and events each August 7 to honor Purple Heart recipients and their families. The annual national Purple Heart Honor Mission is a tribute ceremony with Purple Heart recipients from across the nation gathering to exchange stories of their service and the price of freedom.
The events are free for the public and a great way to meet the men and women behind the medals. You can observe this meaningful day by attending a local ceremony, volunteering at a veteran support organization or simply contacting a Purple Heart recipient or their family to express your gratitude.
How Every American Can Show Gratitude
There is no official event for Purple Heart Day. These are some constructive ways that each American can contribute:
- Consider flying the American flag and a military flag at your home or business on August 7.
- Spread the word about Purple Heart on social media to teach others.
- Make a donation to those organizations that support combat wounded veterans.
- Go to a local VA hospital or veteran center and show your gratitude
- Get to know the name of a Purple Heart recipient from your community
When a whole nation remembers together, it's a big deal for small acts.
The Role of Military Flags in Honoring Combat Veterans
Flying the American Flag and Military Flags on Purple Heart Day
It is one of the most visible and powerful ways to celebrate Purple Heart Day by displaying the appropriate flags. The American flag should be flown at half staff on August 7 in recognition of our country and its defenders. In addition to the American flag, military branch flags honoring the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force are also a fitting reminder of the service members who earned their Purple Hearts under those flags.
The POW MIA flag is particularly appropriate to be displayed on Purple Heart Day because of the powerful message it carries: "You Are Not Forgotten". It is a reminder to America that she does not forget those who did not come back, and those whose stories have yet to be completed.
Since our inception in 1908 and with an active U.S. Military Reserves member leading the way, Baldwin Flags has a deep appreciation for the significance of each military flag we sell. It's not just a display of decoration to fly these flags on Purple Heart Day. It is an expression of thanks, dignity and recall.
Where to Find Premium Military Flags to Honor Our Heroes
Baldwin Flags, based in St. Louis, Missouri and proudly serving customers since 1908, offers one of the most comprehensive collections of military flags in the United States. From Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force flags to the POW MIA flag and custom military banners, every flag in our collection is crafted with premium materials and built to honor the service members it represents.
This Purple Heart Day, fly a flag that means something. Click on Shop Now or email sales@baldwinflags.com to see our complete collection of flags and purchase the one that is right for you and the perfect tribute for August 7.
Because the least we can do for those who gave so much is to make sure they are never forgotten.
FAQs About National Purple Heart Day
When is National Purple Heart Day observed?
National Purple Heart Day is observed every year on August 7, the date in 1782 when George Washington established the original Badge of Military Merit.
Is Purple Heart Day a federal holiday?
No, Purple Heart Day is not a federal holiday. However, it is widely recognized and observed across the country through ceremonies, community events, and public tributes.
How many Americans have received the Purple Heart?
Nearly two million Americans have earned the Purple Heart medal since its reinstatement in 1932, representing service members wounded or killed in action across every major conflict the United States has been involved in.
How can I honor Purple Heart Day at home?
Flying the American flag and a military flag at your home on August 7, sharing the history of the Purple Heart, and expressing gratitude to veterans and their families are all meaningful ways to observe the day. Baldwin Flags carries a full range of premium military flags to help you display your tribute with pride.
Honoring America’s Bravest Soldiers on Purple Heart Day