“Behind every heart is a hero. Behind every hero is their story. Behind every story reveals what they endured for you, for us, for everyone to live freely.” -Angels from the Battlefield.
The Purple Heart Medal is the oldest and one of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to those who have been wounded or killed in combat. It is also the first award bestowed upon the common enlisted soldier. Established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, the “Badge of Military Merit” made of purple cloth in the shape of a heart, recognized common soldiers for their valor at a time when fighting the campaign was tough, morale and pay was low, and supplies were scarce. After the American Revolutionary War, the award was ignored for nearly 150 years until it was re-introduced as the Purple Heart Medal on February 22, 1932, the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The medal’s plain inscription “FOR MILITARY MERIT” barely expresses it significance.
The National Purple Heart Month is celebrated in August with the National Purple Heart Day observed on August 7th. These observances are a time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.
Are you a Purple Heart recipient or know someone who is? Members of the Clark County Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution would like to honor the service and sacrifice of those men and women who have been wounded or killed in action; known to use as “Purple Heart Patriots.” Please contact Mitzie Pitford at [email protected] for more information.
Honoring Those Recipients of America’s Oldest Military Award. Members of the Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution invite you to the Purple Heart Ceremony to honor our Purple Heart Patriots and Service Members who have received a Purple Heart Medal. MSSDAR and Missouri’s Military Order of the Purple Heart organization will cohost a Purple Heart Ceremony on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Roslyn Heights, 821 Main Street, Booneville, MO. All Purple Heart Medal recipients, their families and the public are invited to attend.
