Remembering history behind the Purple Heart

COLORADO SPRINGS — For National Purple Heart Day, communities around the country are honoring those wounded on the battlefield and those who have died serving the United States. The Fort Carson military base in Colorado Springs reminds us of the history behind the historic medal.

General George Washington was the first to award the Purple Heart. At the time, the Purple Heart was not a medal. It was a purple-colored, heart-shaped badge any soldier would wear.

Throughout the years, the medal would go through multiple name and criteria changes.

General Douglas MacArthur, Chief of…