Purple Heart Day Meaning. Senate resolution of 2018 acknowledged “purple heart recognition day” as 7 august, the date in 1782 when president george washington ordered the establishment of the badge of military merit, in the shape of a heart and made of purple cloth. The purple heart is the oldest active military award in the united states and, like the country it represents, has gone through many changes.
Originally known as the badge of military merit, it was awarded to three revolutionary soldiers in 1783. Today america recognizes the brave men and women wounded or killed while serving.
