SHELTON — America 250! continues as the members of Ripton Parish Chapter, NSDAR, Inc. celebrate more milestones on the road to victory and the men and women of Ripton Parish who helped achieve independence that culminated with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
August 7, 2026 officially begins Purple Heart Month. The Purple Heart is our nation’s oldest medal established by General George Washington two hundred and forty-four years ago to recognize heroic acts by his troops. It was originally called the Badge of Military Merit. Because he was forbidden by the Continental Congress from granting commissions and promotions among the enlisted soldiers, he issued the following order on August 7, 1782, for the Badge of Military Merit:
“… The General ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military merit directs whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings, over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward. “
The first Badges had the word “Merit” stitched across the face in silver thread. Washington wanted to recognize enlisted soldiers with this award because, at the time, the usual practice was to only present military awards to ranking officers. George Washington changed this idea because he believed the “road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is…open to all.” The original color of the medal George Washington created was purple, which represented the courage of those who served. Today the purple color represents the blood of all those who have made sacrifices in war.
Awarding the Badge of Military Merit fell into disuse until General Douglas MacArthur revived the Purple Heart on the bicentennial of George Washington’s birthday on February 22, 1932. The medal recognizes meritorious service and is also given to soldiers wounded or killed in battle.
The Purple Heart has undergone many changes with respect to the criteria for being awarded. Over time the military modified the award due to the types of injuries for all branches of service: combat, terrorism, prisoners of war (POW), friendly fire, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and those killed acting as peace keeping forces. Being awarded the Purple Heart does not depend on the recommendation of a superior officer – the Purple Heart is an entitlement.
Washington’s ‘Purple Heart’ was awarded to three soldiers from Connecticut: Sergeant William Brown of Stamford, Sergeant Elijah Churchill of Newington, and Sergeant Daniel Bissel of Windsor. There were undoubtedly more who were awarded the Badge of Military Merit; however, the names of the recipients kept in a “Book of Merit”, has never been recovered.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is dedicated to promoting Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism. DAR members are women who come from diverse backgrounds and have a variety of interests. Any woman 18 years old or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove direct lineage to a Revolutionary War ancestor is eligible to join. For more information, visit https://www.dar.org/ For information on Ripton Parish Chapter, NSDAR, Inc. visit https://riptonparishchapter.org/ To learn more about America250! Visit https://www.dar.org/national-society/america-250/america250-foundation-partner
Today, Purple Heart recipients receive free daytime admission, year-round at Mount Vernon. Visit https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/free-admission-for-purple-heart-recipients for further information.