Pay tribute to the oldest military decoration in the U.S. at the home of its founder, George Washington. 

Join Mount Vernon and members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for the estate’s official National Purple Heart Day Commemoration Ceremony.

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Add to Calendar 08/03/2024 10:30:00 08/03/2024 America/New_York Purple Heart Commemoration

Pay tribute to the oldest military decoration in the U.S. at the home of its founder, George Washington. 

Join Mount Vernon and members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for the estate’s official National Purple Heart Day Commemoration Ceremony.

Buy Tickets

Become a Member for Free Admission

Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium George Washington's Mount Vernon tickets@mountvernon.org MM/DD/YYYY 15

Special Event Showing On

Commemoration Ceremony

10:15 a.m. – 10:23 a.m. Opening Remarks - Dr. Joe Stoltz, Director of Leadership Programs, Washington Library
10:23 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. National Anthem
10:25 a.m. – 10:32 a.m. Remarks – General Eric K. Shinseki, 34th Chief of Staff of the Army; Chairman of the Board, Army Historical Foundation
10:32 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. Closing Remarks – Dr. Joe Stoltz, Director of Leadership Programs, Washington Library
10:40 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Program Ends – Music to conclude
10:45 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Procession to Washington’s Tomb
10:50 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Purple Heart Wreath Laying at Washington’s Tomb
11:00 a.m. Departure

Free Admission for Purple Heart Recipients

Admission to Mount Vernon is free for Purple Heart Recipients. Purple Heart recipients also receive free admission 365 days a year to Mount Vernon.

Members of the military receive a discount on daytime admission.

For all other guests, the Purple Heart Commemoration ceremony is included with admission to Mount Vernon.

New Safety Protocols

Your safety and the safety of our staff is paramount as we open our doors again. There will be additional safety measures in place when you visit to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Learn More

Commemoration Ceremony

Members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart will join in the estate’s official National Purple Heart Day  Commemoration Ceremony.

The Colonial Singers of Williamsburg will perform before and after the ceremony in Smith Auditorium.

Musical Performance 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Commemoration Ceremony 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Musical Performance 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Free Admission for Purple Heart Recipients

Admission to Mount Vernon is free for Purple Heart Recipients. Purple Heart recipients also receive free admission 365 days a year to Mount Vernon.

Members of the military receive a discount on daytime admission.

For all other guests, the Purple Heart Commemoration ceremony is included with admission to Mount Vernon.

New Safety Protocols

Your safety and the safety of our staff is paramount as we open our doors again. There will be additional safety measures in place when you visit to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Learn More

Tune in LIVE on Friday, August 7 at 10:00 am ET


For those unable to attend in person, tune in for the live broadcast on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

Purple Heart Trail Marker

The Purple Heart Memorial Marker at Mount Vernon

The Purple Heart Memorial Marker at Mount Vernon

This marker, dedicated by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and the Military Order of the Purple Heart on August 7, 1998, commemorates the establishment of the Purple Heart decoration by General George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, on August 8, 1782.

Marker is off the traffic circle, northeast of the Texas Gate main entrance to the Mount Vernon estate.

Map of Mount Vernon

Military Badges

On August 7, 1782, George Washington created three new military badges that would honor the service of ordinary, common soldiers. In these General Orders, Washington outlined the creation of the Badge of Military Merit, the precursor to the Purple Heart.

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Live Stream


Watch the Event Live

Face Coverings

Face Coverings

Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a face covering.

Those who are not vaccinated are required to wear face coverings outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

This policy applies to both staff and guests.

This event is sponsored by:

Boeing

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