Page 18 - IAV Digital Magazine #623

iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine
The Purple Heart Medal weighs about an ounce – but it carries an immense weight of sacrifice, courage and honor.
Purple Heart Day, observed annually on 7 August, honors the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or lost their lives while serving in the U.S. mili- tary. The day is set aside for Americans to remember and honor those who valiantly rep- resented their country and were decorated with a Purple Heart in the name of the President. It is also a time to highlight the rich history and significance of the Purple Heart medal.
This year, on the 10th anniver- sary of Purple Heart Day, the Office of Enterprise
Management (OEM) is observ- ing Purple Heart Day to ensure that the sacrifices of these heroes are never forgotten and that their courage continues to inspire future generations.
While Purple Heart Day is just a decade old, the origins of the Purple Heart medal date back to the American Revolutionary War when General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, an award intended to recognize meritorious service, on 7 August 1782, there was a lack of funds in the Continental Army at the time so the award was a way to honor enlisted and deserving people. The badge was presented to sol- diers for “any singularly merito- rious action” and was designed with a piece of silk bound through it with a thin edge of silver.
Washington only gave out three of the badges himself and, instead, authorized subordi- nates to issue them as they saw fit. The Badge of Merit faded from use but was revived
and relaunched in 1932; this time as the Purple Heart. As well as honoring those wound- ed in combat, this iteration of the Purple Heart recognized commendable action. It was in 1944 that the policy was tweaked slightly and the Purple Heart was given the purpose we know it for today, specifical- ly to honor those who have been wounded or lost their lives in the line of duty.
During the Revolutionary War, Continental Army
soldiers William Brown and Elijah Churchill were the first soldiers to receive the Badge of Military Merit, the predecessor to the Purple Heart. William was most likely bestowed the honor for his service during the Siege of Yorktown, while Elijah was recognized for his gallantry at a battle near Fort St. George on Long Island, NY. The first service member to be given the modern-day Purple Heart was Army General Douglas MacArthur for his service in the Pacific theater during World War II.
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine