Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7 of each year for Americans to be United in Remembering and Honoring the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. Purple Heart Day is also known as National Purple Heart Day, Purple Heart Recognition Day, and Purple Heart Appreciation Day.

Criteria For Receiving A Purple Heart

The Purple Heart has a long list of criteria for eligibility-too long to list here. But in general, it may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been wounded, killed in action, or have died or may die from wounds received in any action against the United States, action with an opposing armed force, the results of any hostile “foreign force” and many other situations where men and women in uniform may find themselves under attack.

In general, the Purple Heart is awarded for injuries sustained because of an enemy attack. Injuries sustained for other reasons not related to things “not caused by enemy agents” are generally not acceptable as grounds for receiving the Purple Heart, though friendly fire injuries do qualify as long as the friendly fire was intended for the enemy. The Purple Heart is now given to persons who are injured, wounded, or died while a prisoner of war (POW).

How Purple Heart Day is Observed

• States, counties, and cities pause in recognition of the service and sacrifice of their local sons and daughters as do sports and entertainment entities.
• Major League Baseball teams pay homage to their local Purple Heart recipients during special pre-game and 7th-inning ceremonies.
• Veteran and military organizations hold remembrance meetings for fallen heroes and special events to thank soldiers, veterans, and Purple Heart recipients on this day.
• The Purple Heart Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, recommends donating time and money to the foundation or to other organizations working with Purple Heart recipients.
• People take the time to listen to soldiers and veterans and learn more about their life stories and their military service.
• American flags are flown at homes and businesses.