Today is “Purple Heart Day,” a day reserved to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were wounded or killed by enemy attack while serving in a combat zone.

The Purple Heart is an honorary medal that symbolizes and honors the sacrifices made by service members while defending our country.

This medal is one of the oldest military decorations that is still in use. George Washington established the Purple Heart, originally named the “Badge of Military Merit,” on this day in 1782. When the badge was first established, it was in place to recognize soldiers who displayed any ‘meritorious action.’ It was originally a purple heart shaped cloth badge, and was not handed out often, in fact, only three were awarded during the span of the Revolutionary War.

Today, the Purple Heart is given out far more often and is much more modern.

Receiving a Purple Heart has always been an honor, but the military honor gained some more attention in 2022 when Netflix released the hit film “Purple Hearts.”

While the film didn’t dive deep into the history of what the award was and what it has now become, it did share a heartwarming story of partnership through a military injury.

The film stars Sofia Carson as “Cassie” and Nicolas Galitzine as “Luke.”

“Purple Hearts” starts in the bar where Cassie works as a bartender and aspiring musician. Luke and Cassie are then introduced to each other through a mutual friend.

Cassie finds herself struggling to pay for her insulin after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and Luke finds himself struggling to pay off his debts.

Luke overhears a conversation between Cassie and their mutual friend, Frankie, regarding getting married for the benefits. Frankie declines the idea due to his ongoing relationship, and Luke can’t help but to step in.

Despite the two having no chemistry and Luke being strongly against committing a crime, he reluctantly agrees to marry Cassie for benefits.

The pair almost immediately make their way to the courthouse, as Luke is set to be deployed to Iraq just days later.

The days before Luke’s deployment were spent making plans to ensure the marriage scheme would work.

For the first few months, the plan worked, as Luke and Cassie fooled Luke’s fellow soldiers by sharing weekly video

chats, and letters.

Cassie, still with hopes of becoming a superstar, starts to write songs about her “relationship” with Luke.

When Cassie sings the original song “Come Back Home” to Luke and the soldiers, her song blows up overnight.

Following the excitement of the accomplished song, Cassie learns that Luke was badly injured by an IED explosion and he must return home to recover. Following Luke’s arrival, the two move in together to continue the marriage scheme.

As the couple navigates living together while barely really knowing each other, they face many challenges.

Sparks were bound to fly when the two spent so much time together during Luke’s long and difficult recovery.

Just as the couple begins to navigate their newfound undeniable chemistry, Luke’s debts come back to haunt him when their fraudulent marriage is reported to authorities.

When Luke is taken to jail for his misconduct, Cassie must decide just how much their new relationship means to her.

Watch “Purple Hearts” today and remember to recognize the sacrifices brave men and women made for everyday citizens.

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Mina Phillips is a reporter at the Lewistown Sentinel.