Did You Know the Purple Heart is older than the United States Constitution? In this Voices of Life “Did You Know?” episode, Pastor David explores the remarkable story behind one of America’s most sacred military honors — the Purple Heart.

Long before it became the medal awarded to service members wounded or killed in combat, it began as George Washington’s Badge of Military Merit, created on August 7, 1782 at his headquarters in Newburgh, New York. Washington designed it as a purple heart‑shaped cloth badge, meant to honor ordinary soldiers for unusual gallantry, extraordinary fidelity, and essential service.

Washington declared that “the road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all.” That p ...