Purple Heart's legacy is one of sacrifice, service

On August 7, 1782, Gen. George Washington created the Purple Heart award, then known as the Badge of Merit. The original award was a simple, heart-shaped piece of purple silk sewn onto uniforms. During the American Revolution, only three men received this honor.

Today, throughout all U.S. wars, more than 1.8 million service members have received the Purple Heart, which has evolved into a purple, heart-shaped badge with bronze rims and a bronze silhouette of Washington. The back of the award features the inscription “For Military Merit.” The Purple Heart is presented to service members who are wounded or killed in action.

The Badge of Military Merit was considered a significant honor during the Revolutionary War, but military officials discontinued its use for more than a century. On Feb. 22, 1912, in observance of Washington’s 200th birthday, the award was revived and has continued to be presented since.

I was not wounded during my service but came close a couple of times. There are, however, individuals in Sandpoint, Priest River and Newport who have been awarded the Purple Heart. If you know one of them, please honor and respect them, as they have risked — or given — their lives for their country.

Roger Gregory served as a captain in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. He is a Priest River businessman.