National Purple Heart Day, 2025

Proclamation 10963 of August 7, 2025

National Purple Heart Day, 2025

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On National Purple Heart Day, we pause in solemn
tribute to every American Soldier, Sailor, Marine,
Airman, Guardian, and Coast Guardsman who was wounded
or killed defending our birthright of freedom. Today,
we renew our resolve to never forget the wounded
warriors and martyrs of liberty who have received this
distinguished decoration--and we vow to forge a future
worthy of their sacrifice.

On August 7, 1782, General George Washington
established the Badge of Military Merit, fashioned with
a heart-shaped purple cloth to honor acts of ``unusual
gallantry, extraordinary fidelity, and essential
service.'' Today, that award--known as the Purple
Heart--recognizes any member of our Armed Forces
wounded or killed in action against an enemy.

The Purple Heart is an award neither pursued nor won.
Instead, it is bestowed as a symbol of the sacrifices
manifested in bloodshed, broken bodies, and perished
souls. The modern medallion--a gold heart bearing a
likeness of George Washington and adorned with a purple
sash--stands as an enduring reminder that our cherished
freedom is preserved, often at tremendous cost, by the
steadfast courage of those who wear our Nation's
uniform.

To honor the heroism and safeguard the legacy of every
man and woman who has earned this distinguished medal,
my Administration remains steadfastly committed to
pursuing a foreign policy of peace through strength,
ending the days of endless foreign wars, and ensuring
that the United States military remains the most
powerful, most lethal, and most respected in the world.
Under my leadership, fewer conflicts will erupt on the
field of battle, but the significance of this
decoration will never be diminished.

On this observance, the First Lady joins me in honoring
all Purple Heart recipients as well as the resilient
and faithful families who support the wounded in
recovery and restoration and those who grieve the
fallen. We are eternally indebted for their devotion to
duty, and sacrifice on behalf of our great Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim August 7, 2025 as
National Purple Heart Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of August, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.