2025 Session Last amended: 2001 session

§ 10.58 — Combat Wounded Veterans Purple Heart Day

Plain-Language Summary

August 7 is designated Combat Wounded Veterans Purple Heart Day in Minnesota to honor veterans who were wounded by enemy action while serving their country and received the Purple Heart decoration. The Purple Heart is the nation's oldest military decoration, originally created by General George Washington on August 7, 1782. The governor must issue a proclamation each year and send a copy to the Minnesota chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Practical Notes
August 7 was chosen because it is the anniversary of General Washington’s creation of the Badge of Military Merit, the forerunner of the Purple Heart. Purple Heart recipients may be entitled to various state and federal benefits. The Military Order of the Purple Heart, a veterans’ service organization, represents recipients of this decoration and can be contacted for information about member services and benefits.