Today is National Purple Heart Day. It is a special opportunity to say “Thank You” to the nearly two million brave men and women who fought for our nation’s freedom, and bear the physical scars of war.
The original Purple Heart, designated as a Badge of Merit, was awarded by George Washington in 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 honor is presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” It 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 subordinates to issue the badges 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 wounded 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, specifically to honor those who have been wounded or died.
The first service member to be given the modern Purple Heart was General Douglas MacArthur for his service in the Pacific theater during World War II. In total there have been 1.8 million Purple Hearts awarded over the years.for his service in the Pacific theater (specifically in the Philippines) during World War II.
Army Lieutenant Anne G. Fox for her heroic actions during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Annie, who was serving as the chief nurse at Hickam Field, Hawaii, remained calm throughout the attack on Pearl Harbor and her hospital, and successfully directed hospital staff to tend to the wounded as they came in from the harbor.
Purple Heart Day was first observed in 2014 and has been observed every year since. It’s a chance to reflect on the bravery of those who have fought for the U.S. and to ensure that their courage is never forgotten.
My daddy, Samuel Moore Collins, fought in World War II. He was a member of the Citadel Class of 1944. Their class left their military training in their junior year to join various armed services to fight for freedom. Daddy was a radioman in the Army, so he communicated artillery information between the field and command. At the Battle of the Bulge, he was hit with shrapnel in both his legs and ended up in a hospital in France. For the rest of his life, he carried both the little chunks of metal and scar from others.
Thank you for your service, ladies and gentlemen!
Sheila Ingle 