Friday, January 26, 2007

Visual Blogging - Emotional Design: The Purple Heart


The Purple Heart is America's oldest military decoration and arguably the world’s most famous. Initially created by Gen. George Washington, the badge is awarded to military members wounded or killed during a war.

The medal works on a reflective level since the viewer equates the medal with valor and sacrifice during war. It serves as a link and a reminder to those military members who served during wars. George Washington, who originally designated the Purple Heart as the Badge of Military Merit wrote, in part:

“the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward.”

Photo Credit: Sam Dean, the Roanoke Times.

1 comment:

Andria said...

Like the film studies of cognition, I didn't even see the missing finger at first!
I glanced at the image, wondered whether it was YOUR purple heart, read the words hoping to find out, saw the photo credit and returned to the image. THEN I saw the finger.
I sometimes am so left-brained....