Editor, Times-Union: Sunday, Aug. 7 marks the anniversary of the Badge of Military Merit, today known as the Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration in the world.
The combat wounded veterans of the military order of the Purple Heart thank you, in advance, for publishing any, or perhaps all the enclosed history during the weekend of Aug. 7.
The support offered by you, personally, and the Times-Union, are greatly appreciated and have aided materially in assisting us in our efforts to maintain the legacy of the Purple Heart.
A recent change is: sufferers of traumatic brain injury, i.e. coma, concussion, etc., requiring medical treatment may qualify for the award.
Respectfully and God save the republic, 1st Sgt. Donald E. Guard USMC (ret.) Leesburg
Editor's note: The Badge of Military Merit, a small embroidered patch shaped like a heart and colored purple, was first awarded by Gen. George Washington to a handful of soldiers in 1782. The modern Purple Heart, created in 1932 and given to soldiers wounded in combat, was declared the official successor to the badge. About 42,000 soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan have received the medal, while more than a million were awarded during World War II. Notable recipients include writer Kurt Vonnegut Jr.; Rod Serling, creator of "The Twilight Zone”; and Lex, a military working dog.
