What is Purple Heart Day?

Purple Heart Day on August 7 is the kind of day created to give back. It's a day for Americans to remember and honor the men and women who bravely represented their country and were wounded or killed whilst serving.

What qualifies for a Purple Heart?

The Purple Heart is a distinguished military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

Why is it called a Purple Heart?

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration. It is awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed, while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military. It is the successor to the Badge of Military Merit, which took the form of a heart made of purple cloth.

Is Purple Heart Day a national holiday?

Purple Heart Day is also known as National Purple Heart Day, Purple Heart Recognition Day and Purple Heart Appreciation Day. Purple Heart Day will be observed on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022. The holiday was first observed in 2014, and is considered an unofficial observance meaning that businesses, government offices, etc.

What is the Purple Heart reward?

The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.

What is PURPLE HEART Day - Kid History Explains

Do all wounded soldiers get a Purple Heart?

Currently, the Purple Heart, per regulation is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917 has been wounded, killed, or has died after ...

Who started Purple Heart Day?

3. Today's Purple Heart Medal and Eligibility. Thanks to Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the Purple Heart officially received its modern-day look and name in 1932.

How many Purple Heart recipients are there?

How many Purple Hearts have been awarded? As there was not a consistent record kept since the award was established in 1932, we can only estimate the total number which have been awarded. At this time, it estimated that there may have been 1.8 million Purple Hearts awarded.

What color are veterans hearts?

Purple Heart Homes builds customized, barrier-free homes for disabled vets who need assistance re-entering American society. When they do, the outpouring of appreciation that's shown by Americans tells us that American values, at the grassroots level, are strong.

Why is the Purple Heart so popular?

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration still presented to service members. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor estimates that 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been issued since it was re-established in 1932. It is believed that the award is purple because the color represents courage and bravery.

How many states are Purple Heart States?

There are currently designated sections in 45 states as well as Guam.

What does a gold star on a Purple Heart mean?

An Oak Leaf Cluster is granted to a member of the U.S. Army or Air Force who has been previously wounded and who already has a Purple Heart, and a Gold Star is awarded to a member of the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard for the same purpose.

Do you get paid for a Purple Heart?

This special pay is considered an entitlement (tax-free) paid in addition to “any retired pay” the veteran is already entitled to. In order to qualify as a Purple Heart recipient, veterans must apply via their branch of the military meet the following conditions: Be entitled to and/or receiving military retired pay.

What does Purple Heart mean in death?

The Purple Heart (PH) is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving, on or after 5 April 1917, with the U.S. military.

Who received the most Purple Hearts?

Albert L. Ireland – Marine Corps. Staff Sergeant Albert Ireland has the distinction of being awarded the most Purple Hearts of any individual across all branches of service. During his 12 years of service – spanning two wars from 1941 to 1953 – Ireland was wounded a total of nine times.

How do you honor Purple Heart Day?

These people are decorated with a Purple Heart in the name of the President, and this day is for remembering them and their sacrifice. Some states, counties, and cities pause in recognition, as do some sports and entertainment entities. Military and veteran organizations also hold meetings for remembrance.

How rare is a Purple Heart?

More than 1.5 million American men and women have been awarded the Purple Heart since 1932.

How hard is it to get a Purple Heart?

To receive the Purple Heart, the Army's current regulations require that a soldier be injured by enemy action and receive documented treatment from a medical officer. The Army's official list of wounds that "clearly justify" the award includes, "Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions."

What is the highest honor in the military?

The nation's highest military award for valor is the Medal of Honor, presented by the president in Congress' name.

What color does purple symbolize?

Purple for Wisdom, Bravery, and Spirituality

Different shades of purple have different spiritual meanings. For instance, light purples are associated with light-hearted, romantic energies while darker shades can represent sadness and frustration. In some parts of Europe, purple is associated with death and mourning.

Why did JFK get a Purple Heart?

Kennedy receives one of the Navy's highest honor for gallantry for his heroic actions as the commanding officer of a motor torpedo boat during World War II on June 12, 1944. The future president also received a Purple Heart for wounds received during battle.

Can you decline a Purple Heart?

The soldiers' commanding general typically makes the final decision to award or deny a Purple Heart. The Army's official list of wounds that "clearly justify" the award includes, "Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions."

Do Purple Hearts have names on them?

Most often, Purple Hearts are engraved with the Veterans name. This normally signifies them as “Presentation Purple Hearts”, which means the Veteran was killed in combat and the government had the medal engraved and sent it to the family.

Do Purple Heart recipients get free college?

Most states offer several benefits to Purple Heart recipients, these can range from free college for them and their family members to special license plates.