I wanted to acknowledge Purple Heart Day yesterday, and totally forgot about it when I thought I had over-wrote a story I had been working on for a contest! Whew! Got the story back…
First, this is day for Americans to remember/honor the men and women who bravely represented and served their country, being wounded or killed whilst serving. I honor ALL veterans, but especially these! My great-grandfather who served in WWI, especially!
Secondly, there is a history as to why this day was selected. According to NationalCalendarDay.com:
General George Washington created the Badge of Merit in 1782. Washington intended the honor to be presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” Its design included a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk bound with a thin edge of silver. Across the face, the word Merit was embroidered in silver. While the badge symbolized the courage and devotion of an American Patriot, no one knows who designed the award.
Until Washington’s 200th birthday, the Purple Heart persisted as a Revolutionary War footnote. Through the efforts of General Douglas MacArthur, the U.S. War Department created the Order of the Purple Heart. Today the medal bears a bust of George Washington and his coat of arms.
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/purple-heart-day-august-7/
Lastly, I wish there was a Purple Heart of sorts for domestic violence victims, without offending veterans OF COURSE. We have served in, were injured in, and some died in battles behind closed doors. I pray for ALL who died serving their countries and families with honor and dignity.
Love and light! Purple light!