Purple Heart Day Meaning. Military decoration, instituted by general george washington in 1782 and awarded for bravery in action. Unlike veteran’s day or memorial day, purple heart day isn’t as widely recognized across the country,.

It’s that specific meaning that was the driving force behind commemorating august 7 as purple heart day to remember 1782 when general george washington created the purple heart medal. The purple heart is the oldest american military medal with a unique history.