Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7th to honor and remember U.S. service members who have been wounded or killed in combat. The date marks the creation of the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782, which became the modern Purple Heart. It is the oldest military award still given to troops today. The St. Landry Parish Veterans Memorial honored purple heart honorees and parish veterans with a breakfast and social held Friday at the Bobby Dupre Welcome Center.
