Near Anderson in Denali Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Alaska Proudly Honors Purple Heart Recipients
Photographed by Thomas Smith, August 6, 2025
1. Alaska Proudly Honors Purple heart Recipients Marker
The History of the Purple Heart
In 1783 during the American Revolution, General George Washington first awarded a decoration of embroidered purple fabric in the shape of a heart called the Badge of Military Merit. The decoration was awarded to recognize exceptionally meritorious action. This honor is considered the first official military combat badge of the United State Armed forces and was the first decoration for valor presented to enlisted personnel.
In 1931 General Douglas MacArthur set out to establish a combat decoration to succeed the Badge of Military Merit. In 1932, the United States War Department authorized the new Purple Heart medal for soldiers who had previously received either a Wound Chevron or the Army Wound Ribbon. At that time, it was also determined the Purple Heart medal would be considered the official successor decoration to The Badge of Military Merit. On Washington's birthday (February 22, 1932) the new decoration was announced. It is awarded today to members of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action in combat.
The Purple
this page online
Alaska's Purple Heart Trail
On May 2008, Governor Sarah Palin signed a law designating the Alaska Highway and Richardson Highway between the border with Canada and Fairbanks as the Purple Heart Trail. On August 12, 2022 Governor Mike Dunleavy signed a law extending the designation from Fairbanks to Homer and along the Alaska Marine Highway System. Alaska's Purple Heart Trail is one of many such designated routes in the United States. The Military Order of the Purple Heart has encouraged states to designate Purple Heart Trails to honor the sacrifice given for our nation by Purple Heart recipients.
The Purple Heart Trail reminds us of our debt to those who greatly sacrificed for the freedoms we all enjoy.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Military Order of the Purple Heart series list.
Location. 64° 19.623′ N,
Photographed by Thomas Smith, August 6, 2025
2. Alaska Proudly Honors Purple heart Recipients Marker
Regionally, this memorial is in the Alaska Railroad Corridor, in the Athabascan Region, and in Interior Alaska. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 22, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
