The Purple Heart Started 230 Years Ago Today

It was August 7^th, 1782.  Hostilities had ended and peace talks were under way in Paris. That day, George Washington, the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, was with his men. They had suffered for over six years. His officers were on the verge of mutiny because of lack of pay, rations and supplies withheld by a corrupt and negligent Congress. Worse, Congress had taken away the authority of his general officers to recognize their soldiers’ courage and leadership by awarding commissions in the field. Congress simply could not afford to pay their existing officers let alone any new ones. As a result, faithful service and outstanding acts of bravery went unrecognized and unrewarded. George Washington was determined to end that. So he issued a general order establishing the “Badge of Distinction” and “Badge of Merit.” It was the beginnings of what is now known as “The Purple Heart”.  Chartered by Congress in 1958, The Military Order of the Purple Heart is composed of military men and women who received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat. Today marks the 230^th Anniversary of Washington’s order. The Purple Heart is one of the highest honor a soldier can receive. Thanks to all of our local Purple Heart recipients.