Fountain Hills honored members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart on Tuesday, Aug. 7, the date established as Purple Heart Day. The day is recognized in the Town of Fountain Hills as well the State of Arizona.

The Purple Heart was established by General George Washington, commander-in-chief for the Continental Army on Aug. 7, 1788 as the Badge of Military Merit. Three veterans of the Revolutionary War were awarded the metal in 1783. It was not awarded again until 1932, on the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth. At that time soldiers were awarded retroactive to their service in World War I.

Purple Heart Metals are awarded to those killed or wounded as a result of hostile action by the enemy while serving in the U.S. military. It is estimated that 1.8 Purple Hearts have been awarded since the 1932 revival date.

To celebrate this day in Fountain Hills Purple Heart recipients from Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Apache Junction Chapter 2560 were at the local Safeway store, handing out the official Viola flower and greeting residents.

Also, American Legion Post 58 honored 16 MOPH members with certificates and lunch at the Legion Hall.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart, chartered by Congress in 1932, is composed of military men and women who received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat. Although membership is restricted to the combat wounded, support is offered to all veterans and their families with a myriad of nationwide programs by Chapters and National Service Officers.

For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. This is the U.S. Military’s oldest decoration, given to those who are wounded or killed while fighting in the nation’s wars AND to military members who have suffered maltreatment as a prisoner of war.

August 7 is a day set aside to honor the wounded and fallen veterans of the United States.

The mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is to foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans, promote patriotism, support necessary legislative initiatives, and most importantly, provide service to all veterans and their families.

The MOPH and its Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America’s military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless and those requiring employment assistance.

Programs of the MOPH include VA Volunteer Service, JROTC Leadership Awards, Scholarships, Suicide Awareness, Americanism, Purple Heart Trail and Cities, Welfare, and numerous community service programs, all with the objective of service to Veterans and their families. Donations are welcome and are used to fund these important programs. Visit mophhq.org for information.