A Purple Heart Made of Cloth
Imagine an archival display with two purple hearts side by side. One is a small badge made of cloth. The other is a later medal made of metal. They are different objects from different times, but their histories are connected.
The cloth heart was called the Badge of Military Merit. General George Washington created it on August 7, 1782, during the American Revolution. The war had lasted for years, and Washington wanted a way to recognize soldiers for exceptional service. His order described the badge as a figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding.
At the time, the Continental Army was fighting for American independence from Britain. Washington’s order provided for the badge to be given to soldiers who showed unusual bravery or extraordinary faithfulness and essential service. It was not simply a reward for holding a high rank. An enlisted soldier could receive recognition for what he had done.
Receiving the badge brought a special privilege. Washington’s order allowed its wearer to pass guards and sentries without being challenged in the same way as someone without it. The names of recipients and the reasons for their awards were also supposed to be recorded in a book of merit.
A rare award
- archival:
- Related to a collection of historical records or objects.
- exceptional:
- Unusually good or remarkable.
- independence:
- Freedom from being ruled by another country.
- sentries:
- People posted to stand guard.
- recipients:
- People who receive something.
- revived:
- Brought back into use or attention.
- observance:
- An event or activity that marks an important occasion.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why did Washington create the Badge of Military Merit?
- 2How did the badge recognize soldiers differently from an award based on rank?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“A Purple Heart Made of Cloth” is a explanatory article reading passage about Military awards, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (523 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.