Receive Free Admission as a Purple Heart Recipient
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 National Purple Heart Day Commemoration Ceremony is included with admission to Mount Vernon.
See General Washington at the Ceremony
George Washington will give remarks to honor the U.S. military. Hear him talk about the creation of the Purple Heart and why it became a military decoration.
Visit the Marker of America's First Military Decoration
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.
The marker is located off the traffic circle, northeast of the Texas Gate main entrance to the Mount Vernon estate.
Uncover the History of 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.
Additional Purple Heart Activities: Aug. 3 & 4
This event is sponsored by:
