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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, which is open to the public.

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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.

Purple Heart Trail Marker

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

The Purple Heart Memorial Marker at 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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Additional Purple Heart Activities: Aug. 3 & 4

Participate in additional programing this weekend to pay tribute to America's active duty, former, and retired military personnel.
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This event is sponsored by:

Boeing