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.
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 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.
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.
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.
On February 1st, National Texas Day recognizes the Lone Star State along with its fierce record of independent people and history. The 28th state may not be the only state with a record of being a republic, but their dramatic revolution and fight for independence keep Texas history alive.
Legendary History and People
On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state admitted to the Union, but its storied history stretched long before that date. From the dictatorship of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and the start of the Texas Revolution in 1835 to the Alamo in 1836, names like James Bowie, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, and Juan Seguin echo throughout the state.
Many legends abound where Texas is concerned. According to the story, The Yellow Rose of Texas was a mulatto woman who distracted Santa Anna during the Battle of San Jacinto allowing victory for the republic. Many credit a woman by the name of Emily West, but historians find little to no evidence. A statue by Veryl Goodnight stands in Houston.
During and after the Civil War, news traveled slowly. It took the arrival of Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, and his announcement with General Orders, Number 3 that the Civil War was over and all slaves were now freedmen for life to change in Galveston, Texas. Whether it required the military to enforce the new federal law or if the news did truly travel slowly, June 19th became a celebration of culture and freedom called Juneteenth.
Official Texas
State Capital – Austin
State Nickname – The Lone Star State
State Song – Texas Our Texas
State Tree – Pecan Tree
State Reptile – Texas Toad
State Vehicle – Chuck Wahon
State Bread – Pan de Campo
State Vegetable- Texas Sweet Onion
State WildFlower – Blue bonnet
State Stone – Petrified Palmwood
Technology and Landscape
Texas loves technology. Home to Johnson Space Center and more than one computer company that began as a startup, the Lone Star State wears its boots and lab coat at the same time. They’ve brought us the handheld calculator and 3-D printing as well as many medical advancements. And let’s not forget, Dr. Pepper.
Whether traveling to the Gulf Coast, staying close to the panhandle which includes a patch of Route 66, or wandering the Great Plains, there’s plenty of Texas to see. Take in some history or explore the cities. Take a hike along the Palo Duro Canyon on the Red River or in Big Bend National Park.
Texas Flavor
“Everything is bigger in Texas.” You’ve probably heard the saying so it’s no surprise that it is reflected in food. Chili, Queso, Pecan Pie,Tex-Mex,Sweet Tea, Chicken Fried Steak, Fried Okra, Breakfast Tacos, and Tortilla Soup to name a few. Texas BBQ is so well known and separate from North Carolina, or others. If you find yourself in Austin check out Franklin BBQ.
For a complete list of Texas State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.
Discover something new about Texas. Explore the 28th state’s history, people, and culture. Uncover hidden treasures and explore all Texas’ vast landscapes! Use #NationalTexasDay to share on social media.
