THE PURPLE HEART

The Purple Heart, the oldest military award in the United States, has a history that dates back to the American Revolution: 

• Purpose evolved

  The Purple Heart's purpose evolved to honor those who are wounded or die in the line of duty. In 1944, the policy was changed to recognize those who are wounded or die in enemy action. 

• Vietnam War

  During the Vietnam War, the criteria for receiving the Purple Heart was expanded to include service members who were wounded or killed while serving as military advisors. The United States was not formally a participant in the war until 1965. 

• Badge of Military Merit

  General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit on August 7, 1782 to recognize soldiers for meritorious service. The award was a purple cloth or silk heart with a narrow lace or binding, to be worn over the left breast. Only three of the original badges are known to have been presented. The award was discontinued after the Revolutionary War. 

• Reinstated in 1932

  On February 22, 1932, the Purple Heart was reinstated on the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth. The medal's design remained similar to the original, but now included Washington's profile. 

The Purple Heart is one of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces.

The posted coordinates bring you to the Purple Heart monument in Auburndales Veterans Memorial Park.

To claim this virtual cache please do the following:

1. Go to the American flag flying proudly in the center of this memorial park and message us through geocaching.com the words at the base. (post no pictures of this in your online log)

2. Post a picture with your log showing any part of the Purple Heart Monument,

WITH YOUR USERNAME VISIBLE, CLEAR AND READABLE

written on the medium of your choice (paper, hand, phone, t-shirt, etc...)

Pictures taken with only yourself, your GPS or your Logo/Avatar are not accepted nor are photoshopped/edited pictures with your username inserted afterward.

Failure to follow these instructions may lead to your log being deleted. 

National Purple Heart day is celebrated anually on August 7th. 

Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025

This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.