Honoring Montana’s Heroes: National Purple Heart Day

August 7 marks National Purple Heart Day, a day set aside each year to honor and remember U.S. service members who were wounded or killed while serving under enemy fire. It’s a moment for reflection, respect, and gratitude. Here in Montana, we’ve got a powerful reminder of those sacrifices.

Where Did The Purple Heart Originate?

The Purple Heart is the oldest active military award in the U.S., originally created by George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit on August 7, 1782. Like the nation it represents, the award has evolved over time but continues to honor those wounded or killed in combat.

If you’ve never seen the Montana Purple Heart Memorial in Billings, today’s the perfect day to learn about it. Located on the Courthouse Lawn, the memorial honors every Montana resident awarded the Purple Heart. The names etched in stone, honoring generations of warriors who bore the cost of freedom.

Whether you know someone on the wall or not, visiting this memorial hits deep. It’s a quiet but powerful place. On the center panel, it says " They Paid For Our Freedom With Blood" and " Some Gave All, All Gave Some."

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How You Can Honor National Purple Heart Day

If you want to help Purple Heart recipients, donations are accepted through the Purple Heart Foundation. Or, simply take a moment today to learn a name, share a story, or thank a vet. From all of us at 100.7 XL Country—thank you, Purple Heart recipients. We salute you.