Honor Purple Heart recipients during this year’s wreath-laying ceremonies

The Purple Heart is the oldest American military medal, originally established by George Washington in 1782. It is awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.

As you lay wreaths in memory of our veterans this year, as an individual or with your unit in observance of Wreaths Across America on December 16th, consider recognizing our nation’s Purple Heart recipients.

The Virginia War Memorial has developed an augmented reality app (think Pokémon Go!) that allows users to deploy an AR Purple Heart at the graveside of a Purple Heart recipient.  As you acknowledge their sacrifice, their family will be notified.

A helpful “AR Purple Heart Deployment Guide for Scouts” (PDF) has been developed to help you access the app, determine Purple Heart recipients, and safely honor their service.  It also includes links for tech support and feedback.

Thank you for participating in this honorable and innovative project. Your involvement helps keep the legacy of our nation’s heroes alive in a new and meaningful way.