The Purple Heart – An American Profile in Courage

Marion Smith / August 09, 2010

The Purple Heart is a solemn reminder that the men and women of the U.S. armed forces daily continue to put themselves in harm’s way in order to defend the liberties of the American people. Those brave soldiers who receive the Purple Heart are honored by a tradition begun by George Washington on August 7, 1782.

The original Purple Heart, instituted by Washington during the American Revolution, was called the Badge of Military Merit. The American patriots at that time were fighting not only for American independence, but also to protect the “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” that Americans had proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence. The Badge was awarded to honor those who displayed “unusual gallantry” or “extraordinary fidelity and essential service” to this noble cause. (more…)