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PURPLE HEART DAY

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Purple Heart Day, on August 7th, commemorates the creation of the oldest American military decoration for military merit. The Purple Heart honors the men and women who are of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. During the American Revolutionary War, the Badge for Military Merit decorated six known soldiers.

General George Washington created the Badge of Merit in 1782. Washington intended the honor to be presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” Its design included a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk bound with a thin edge of silver. Across the face, the word Merit was embroidered in silver. While the badge symbolized the courage and devotion of an American Patriot, no one knows who designed the award.

Until Washington’s 200th birthday, the Purple Heart persisted as a Revolutionary War footnote. Through the efforts of General Douglas MacArthur, the U.S. War Department created the Order of the Purple Heart. Today the medal bears a bust of George Washington and his coat of arms.

While an accurate and complete list of names no longer exists, National Geographic recently estimated that nearly 1.9 million service members have earned Purple Hearts since its creation. It is the oldest U.S. military honor still bestowed upon service members today. Until 1944, the Purple Heart recognized service members’ commendable actions as well. Then in 1944, the requirements limited the award to only those wounded or killed in combat.

Purple Heart Firsts
  • William Brown and Elijah Churchill received the Badge of Military Merit during the Revolutionary War when the award first replaced the Fidelity Medallion.
  • Army General Douglas MacArthur received the first modern-day Purple Heart.
  • Army Lt. Annie G. Fox received the Purple Heart during World War II for her actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

PURPLE HEART DAY HISTORY

Since 1932, Americans have celebrated Purple Heart Day on both Washington’s birthday and Valentine’s Day. Some states and cities observed the day in their own way at different times throughout the year. Each declaration encouraged citizens to support wounded veterans with the purchase of a purple viola.

No matter when the observance occurred, it recognized the men and women killed and wounded in combat and their heroic actions. As the day evolved, it more commonly was observed on the day of the Purple Heart’s creation, August 7, 1782.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #PurpleHeartDay

Honor everyone who has received a Purple Heart. Learn more about the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  

While celebrating the heroes who earned the Purple Heart, learn more about them.

Read For Military Merit: Recipients of the Purple Heart by Fred L. Borch or Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick.

Watch a documentary like Purple Heart Warriors: Tears of a Warrior by Tony Seahorn.

Visit a military museum like the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor or The National WWII Museum. 

Use #PurpleHeartDay to post on social media.

Purple Heart Medal - Full Size Brand: U.S. Army
Purple Heart Medal – Full Size
Brand: U.S. Army

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NATIONAL PTSD AWARENESS DAY

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Each year on June 27th, National PTSD Awareness Day recognizes the effects post-traumatic stress has on the lives of those impacted by it.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has a profound effect on the lives of those who suffer from it. The statistics alone are staggering, but can only tell a portion of the story. The trauma and anxiety associated with PTSD is a constant burden, inseparable from the sufferer. It was once a condition that was attributed only to returning combat veterans, but more and more the condition is diagnosed in those who have experienced violent crime or lived through catastrophic events. According to PTSD United, 20% of adults in the United States who have experienced a traumatic event suffer from PTSD.

The observance not only strives to bring awareness to the public but to also educate and eliminate the stigma associated with PTSD. Many of those with PTSD don’t seek treatment. Sometimes they simply fear the labels attached to PTSD. However, with support and understanding, we may all better understand the signs and provide better care.

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Reliving memories of the event
  • Anxious or on edge
  • Avoidance of things or people who remind you of the event

Over time, these signs may fade. However, if they don’t, seeking treatment is not only suggested but helpful to many who suffer from PTSD.

NATIONAL PTSD AWARENESS DAY HISTORY

The United States Senate established PTSD Awareness Day in 2010 following then-Sen. Kent Conrad’s efforts to designate a day of awareness as a tribute to Army Staff Sgt. Joe Biel of the North Dakota National Guard. Biel suffered from PTSD and took his life in April 2007 after returning to North Dakota following his second tour of duty in the Iraq War.

Biel’s birthday, June 27th, was chosen to mark PTSD Awareness Day and honor his memory. Is June is PTSD AWARENESS MONTH.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPTSDAwarenessDay

Reach out to someone you know who struggles with PTSD. Let them know you care and are there to help. Learn more about PTSD at NIMH or VA.gov. Use #NationalPTSDAwarenessDay to share on social media.

National PTSD Awareness Day Not All Wounds Are Visible T-Shirt#NationalPTSDAwarenessDay
National PTSD Awareness Day Not All Wounds Are Visible T-Shirt
Not All Pain Is Physical - PTSD Awareness T-Shirt#NationalPTSDAwarenessDay
Not All Pain Is Physical – PTSD Awareness T-Shirt
In June We Wear Teal For PTSD Awareness Ribbon T-Shirt#NationalPTSDAwarenessDay
In June We Wear Teal For PTSD Awareness Ribbon T-Shirt

NATIONAL PTSD AWARENESS MONTH

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National PTSD Awareness Month is observed annually in June. The month is dedicated to raising awareness about the condition and how to access treatment. June 27th is also National PTSD Awareness Day. 

According to the National Center for PTSD, between 7 and 8 percent of the population will experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during their lifetime.

Men, women, and children can experience PTSD as a result of trauma in their lives. Events due to combat, accidents, disasters, and abuse are just a few of the causes of PSTD. No matter the reason, PTSD is treatable, but not everyone seeks treatment. There are resources available to help diagnosis PTSD and get help. There is no shame in seeking assistance.

HISTORY

National PTSD Awareness Month is a campaign supported by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

HOW TO OBSERVE

If you or someone you know might be experiencing PTSD, visit these resources below, or seek professional care from a therapist who has experience treating PTSD.

Use #PTSDAwarenessMonth to share support, resources, and follow on social media.

PTSD Awareness Cup - Be Strong and Fight on - 30oz Black Tea, Coffee Tumbler#PTSDAwarenessMonth
PTSD Awareness Cup – Be Strong and Fight on – 30oz Black Tea, Coffee Tumbler
Galaxy S9 In June We Wear Teal PTSD Awareness Month Groovy Case#PTSDAwarenessMonth
Galaxy S9 In June We Wear Teal PTSD Awareness Month Groovy Case

ARMED FORCES DAY

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On May 21 Armed Forces Day is a day to pay tribute to the men and women who serve the United States Armed Forces.  The day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May and is part of Armed Forces Week.

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds - Clean Edition Paperback – March 10, 2020 by David Goggins  (Author)
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds – Clean Edition Paperback – March 10, 2020

by David Goggins  (Author)
Unique & Personalized Gifts for Military Veterans Unique & Personalized Gifts for Military Veterans#ArmedForcesDay
Unique & Personalized Gifts for Military Veterans

HISTORY

It was with the idea for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country that President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish this single holiday. The one-day celebration then stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense.  It was on August 31, 1949, that Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force Days.

Parades, open houses, receptions and air shows were held to celebrate the first  Armed  Forces Day held on May 20, 1950.

  • 1962 – President John F. Kennedy established Armed Forces Day as an official holiday.
  • The United States longest running city-sponsored Armed Forces Day Parade is held in Bremerton, Washington.
  • 2012 – Bremerton celebrated the 64th year of the Armed Forces Day Parade.
As the Blue Angeles are based here we appreciate all the military surrounding us.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #ArmedForcesDay to post on social media.

A Day in the Life of the United States Armed Forces Hardcover – May 1, 2003 by Lewis J. Korman (Author), Matthew Naythons  (Author)
A Day in the Life of the United States Armed Forces

by Lewis J. Korman (Author), Matthew Naythons  (Author)
WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Sling Bag Travel Hiking Chest Bag Daypack#ArmedForcesDay
WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Sling Bag Travel Hiking Chest Bag Daypack
4th of July Decorations Patriotic Decor Pre-assembled Hanging Banners Memorial Day Flag Labor Veterans Armed Forces Military Homecoming Red White Blue Decorations#ArmedForcesDay
4th of July Decorations Patriotic Decor Pre-assembled Hanging Banners Memorial Day Flag Labor Veterans Armed Forces Military Homecoming Red White Blue Decorations
Veteran Gifts, Veteran Tumbler, Fathers Day, Birthday Gift For Veteran, Gift For Men, Gift For Him, Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps Veteran Gifts - 17oz Veteran Bullet Tumbler#ArmedForcesDay
Veteran Gifts, Veteran Tumbler, Fathers Day, Birthday Gift For Veteran, Gift For Men, Gift For Him, Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps Veteran Gifts – 17oz Veteran Bullet Tumbler