As part of the nationwide celebration of National Purple Heart Day on Saturday, August 7, the National Purple Heart Honor Mission held a special Purple Heart Day Ceremony at historic Washington’s Headquarters, the birthplace of the Badge of Military Merit, the precursor to the Purple Heart.

More than 1.8 million American service members have been awarded the Purple Heart, either having been wounded- or killed-in-action. This special tribute ceremony included musical salutes, a wreath laying and remarks by the Purple Heart recipients.

Held annually, National Purple Heart Day salutes the service and sacrifice of our Purple Heart recipients and the Honor Mission’s tribute ceremony pays respect to all those who have received the award.