Aug. 7 is Purple Heart Day – a day to honor American service members killed or wounded in service.
The Purple Heart award was created in 1782 by George Washington. It stands as the oldest military decoration that continues to be awarded today.
More than 1.8 million service members have received the decoration.
The Department of Defense, along with several branches of the U.S. military, recognized Purple Heart Day today with videos and photos showcasing some of the brave Purple Heart recipients in history.
On this #PurpleHeartDay, we honor the brave service members who have sacrificed for this nation. #HonorThem pic.twitter.com/xE4aSNVLJk
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) August 7, 2019
In a video posted by the U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Staff Sgt. Albert Ireland was featured as a nine-time recipient of the Purple Heart, for five injuries incurred during World War II and four during the Korean War.
Ireland has received the Purple Heart more than any other Marine in the branch’s history.
“Today is Purple Heart Day. To the 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients, we honor you,” the U.S. Marine Corps said in the video’s caption.
The U.S. Army also released a video in honor of Purple Heart Day.
The Army’s first award remains the nation’s most cherished symbol of military service and sacrifice.
Join us in honoring those that have been awarded the #PurpleHeart.
Video by Spc. Anthony Todd pic.twitter.com/UKUBUYDwhC
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) August 7, 2019
The Army also released an infographic along with the caption, “The Army’s first award remains the nation’s most cherished symbol of military service and sacrifice. Join us in honoring those that have been awarded the #PurpleHeart.”
The U.S. Army Reserve said, “Today, we pause to recognize and honor the brave men and women who were killed or wounded in combat.”
Today, we pause to recognize & honor the brave men & women who were killed or wounded in combat.@USArmy #PurpleHeartDay pic.twitter.com/lmNTIJodUV
— U.S. Army Reserve (@USArmyReserve) August 7, 2019
The U.S. Army Center of Military History posted a brief history of the Purple Heart, noting that the award had remained unused for a time until Gen. Douglas MacArthur became Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and revived the award in 1932.
“On 22 February 1932, out of respect to the memory of George Washington on the 200th anniversary of his birth, War Department General Order No. 3 authorized award of the Purple Heart to military members wounded in action after 5 April 1917,” the center noted in its post.
President Trump also tweeted in honor of the day.
“Today, we honor all of our Country’s Purple Heart recipients, their loved ones, and our Gold Star Families for their immeasurable sacrifice. These American Patriots represent the unyielding and unmatched strength and determination of the U.S. Armed Forces,” the President said.
Today, we honor all of our Country’s Purple Heart recipients, their loved ones, and our Gold Star Families for their immeasurable sacrifice. These American Patriots represent the unyielding and unmatched strength and determination of the U.S. Armed Forces: https://t.co/EVhPJD5azu pic.twitter.com/fcQMg9JI4q
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2019
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper also tweeted, saying, “We honor and remember our Purple Heart recipients – brave Patriots wounded on the battlefield & those heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. The Nation is forever in debt for their selfless service, the scars seen & unseen & the burdens they carry.
We honor and remember our Purple Heart recipients – brave Patriots wounded on the battlefield & those heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. The Nation is forever in debt for their selfless service, the scars seen & unseen & the burdens they carry. pic.twitter.com/TjKWfk5Sgn
— Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper (@EsperDoD) August 7, 2019
