National Purple Heart Day

Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7 each year and is a time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

This year, the Nahant American Legion Post 215 will join other communities around the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to "light it up purple" in remembrance and honor of the sacrifices made by Purple Heart recipients. On Friday, August 7th we will be illuminating our Flag pole and post purple. The Town of Nahant and our American Legion Post has several Purple Heart recipients. 

The Purple Heart was created by General George Washington in 1782 to recognize exemplary military service. General Douglas McArthur reestablished the medal in 1932. The medal is made of a purple cloth cut in the shape of a heart with the word “Merit” sewn upon it.