The Purple Heart is an American decoration-the oldest military decoration in the world in present use and the first American award made available to the common soldier. It was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by one of the world's most famed and best-loved heroes | General George Washington.

The ''Military Order of the Purple Heart'' was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, it is the only veteran’s service organization comprised strictly of ‘’combat’’veterans.

The mission of the Military Order Of The Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans, promote patriotism; support necessary legislative initiatives; and most importantly, provide service to all veterans and their families.

MOPH Dedication August 7, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

The Badge of Military Merit is the oldest known United States military decoration still in use. However, there was one other decoration awarded to members of the Continental Army that pre-dated even the Badge of Military Merit.

General George Washington instituted the Purple Heart on August 7, 1782, at Newburgh‐on‐ the‐Hudson in the State of New York.

Of the Badge of Military Merit, Washington wrote: "The General ever desirous to cherish a virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military Merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward".

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is unique among all veteran service organizations in that our membership is comprised entirely of combat veterans who shed their blood on the world’s battlefields while serving our country in uniform. For this sacrifice they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

Present Arms, General Smedley D. Butler Detachment | Marine Corps League

PD Commander John Bowman MOPH-PA

General Smedley D. Butler Detachment - Marine Corps League

PD Commander John Bowman MOPH-PA

Bob Lord Event Committee MOPH PA

The National Headquarters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is located in Springfield, Virginia. The Order now includes about 43,000 Total members, organized into 6 geographical Regions, 49 State Departments, and 499 Chapters.

Region 1 Commander Joe Genduso MOPH

The mission of the Military Order Of The Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans, promote patriotism; support necessary legislative initiatives; and most importantly, provide service to all veterans and their families.

The monument was moved from it's original location. It is now facing towards the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial.