August 7, 2021 – National Mustard Day | Purple Heart Day

Welcome to August 7th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate an age-old condiment and the oldest military honor. On this day we celebrate one of the oldest condiments in the history of the world. No, it’s not that long-forgotten bottle of ketchup in the back of your fridge. It’s mustard. The ancient Romans ground mustard seeds into a powder which they combined with vinegar to make a paste. They discovered that this flavor combo was delicious on all sorts of foods. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe, so did the love of this condiment. Households during the Middle Ages used a lot of mustard, as did 17th century England, where the modern version was created. And that’s how mustard made its way from ancient Rome to the top of that hotdog you’re about to eat. On National Mustard Day enjoy a classic flavor that never goes out of style. Purple Heart Day honors the extraordinary men and women who are of the Military Order of The Purple Heart. George Washington first created the Badge of Merit in 1782, which was awarded to six veterans of the Revolutionary War. The modern day Purple Heart, which bears Washington’s image, was given to General Douglas MacArthur in 1944. MacArthur helped to change the requirements that limit the award to only those wounded or killed in combat. Today it is estimated that the oldest military honor has been bestowed on nearly 1.9 million people since it was created. On Purple Heart Day we thank all those who have dedicated their lives in service to our country. I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson. Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices