CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - August 7th is Purple Heart Day, which commemorates the creation of the oldest American military decoration for military merit.

The National Day Calendar states that the Purple Heart honors all of the men and women who are members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. During the American Revolutionary War, the Badge for Military Merit was awarded to six known soldiers. General George Washington created the Badge of Merit back in 1782, and he intended the honor to be presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.”

What does the badge mean?

The badge symbolizes the courage and devotion of an American Patriot. The design of the badge featured a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk bound with a thin edge of silver. Across the face of the badge, Meri

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