Purple Heart Memorial

(1998) Dedicated in 1995, the Purple Heart Memorial is rich in history. It is based upon the oldest American decoration for military merit, originally established in an order signed by George Washington in 1782. First known as the Badge for Military Merit , it was simply a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk, edged in silver with the word "Merit" stitched across the face. When the decoration was revived in 1932, it was as a heart-shaped medal with a center of purple enamel and a border and relief bust of George Washington in Goldtone. On the reverse is the inscription "For Military Merit"

The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Military of the United States who have been killed or wounded in action against an enemy. Beginning with Vietnam, it was also awarded for maltreatment endured while a prisoner of war.

This monument and idea was conceived by Chapter 200, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Lincoln, Nebraska, along with the Nebraska State Department of the Military Order of Purple Heart.