The patch you see to your right is a replica of a Purple Heart. While everyone today thinks of the Purple Heart as a medal given to soldiers who are wounded or killed in the line of duty, the original Purple Heart, called the “Badge of Military Merit”, meant something different. It was created by then-general George Washington, the commander in chief of the Continental Army, from his headquarters in Newburgh, New York in 1782, and was given to soldiers who showed “not only instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and services in any way”. This badge was only given to three Revolutionary War soldiers in 1783, but its legend grew over time.
In 1927, a bill was sent to Congress to revive the badge of military merit. In 1931, on the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, a new design was created for the Purple Heart. The criteria for receiving a Purple heart was officially defined as “Being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces”.
The Web site 1791.com has created a replica of the original patch issued by George Washington. While the “formula” for who in the military gets a Purple Heart and who doesn’t is fairly cut and dried these days, one thing that’s abundantly clear to me especially on this Veteran’s Day is that even if soldiers don’t get wounded on the battlefield, the vast majority of them have performed meritorious service.
If there’s a veteran or even a civilian in your life who’s a history buff and who’s done something deserving of merit in your life, this would make an excellent gift, and proceeds go to fund a charity that helps feed the hungry and disadvantaged in poor areas of the US.
On the subject of George Washington, 1791.com also has this canvas bag featuring an iconic buffalo patch on the front and George Washington’s signature on the back. The bag is designed with our sturdy durable natural fibers in a brown color with natural tan canvas shoulder straps.
It’s 100% Made in the USA by MoJo, which stands for Mom and Jobs. American MoJo (MoJo) is a newly formed clothing venture, headquartered in Boston, whose objective is to address the issues facing mothers who are poverty-stricken. By providing freedom from the strain of daycare costs and a new career path for this underserved demographic, MoJo enables a new start for moms who desperately need it.
