For thousands of years, the heart was identified as the seat of our mind and reason.

These attributes were expanded in the Middle Ages to include the virtues of honor, valor, truth, conscience and moral courage.

In our American military tradition, the Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U.S. service members.

The original Purple Heart, designated the Badge of Military Merit, was established by George Washington, then commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, on August 7, 1782.

The badge was awarded to three Revolutionary War soldiers by Gen. Washington himself and from there
its legend grew.

The current design, with a relief of George Washington’s image, was issued on the 200th Anniversary of his birth on February 22, 1932, as the leading symbol of our nations founding virtues.