Why the nation celebrates Purple Heart recipients

People around the world are thanking all of the courageous men and women who sacrificed so much for our country.

Charles Diggs (right), 1st TSC Support Operations Distribution Integrations Branch, during a Purple Heart presentation ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, March 13, 2015.

As the nation celebrates military heroes on National Purple Heart Day, AOL takes a look at some of the most compelling, heart-wrenching and heartwarming stories behind those who have earned the prestigious award. General George Washington created the award in 1782.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. In fact, only three Revolutionary War soldiers were awarded the honor.

The Purple Heart was originally only for Army personnel, but after Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt extended it to those in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

For a complete and current listing of what is required to receive a Purple Heart, refer to pages 22 through 25 here. He also made the award available posthumously to any service member killed on or after that date (Dec. 7, 1942).

The honor ensures that this “Forgotten War” hero will be remembered forever.

During World War II, almost 500,000 Purple Heart medals were manufactured in anticipation of the estimated casualties resulting from the planned invasion of Japan. They bowed their heads and prayed together.

It’s considered one of the first official military combat badges of the U.S. military and its recipients were honored on Friday.