LANSING, Mich. — August 7 is National Purple Heart Day.
Purple Heart Day commemorates the creation of the oldest American military decoration for military merit.
It was created by General George Washington in 1782.
The badge represented courage and devotion of an "American Patriot."
The military gave a purple heart to the men and women for any singularly meritorious action.
This requirement changed in 1944 to allow it only for soldiers killed or wounded in combat.
At this time, an estimated 2-million Purple Hearts have been awarded.
#PurpleHeartDay
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