August 7 in History: Exploration, Innovation, and New BeginningsFrom daring voyages across the Atlantic to milestones in American history, August 7 has witnessed events that shaped the modern world. Columbus Sets Sail (1498)During his third voyage to the Americas, Christopher Columbus first reached the South American mainland on August 7, 1498, arriving near present-day Venezuela. Purple Heart Reestablished (1932)On August 7, 1932, the United States Army reestablished the Purple Heart, originally created by George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit. Today, the Purple Heart is awarded to service members wounded or killed while serving in combat, making it one of the nation’s most recognized military decorations. The Purple Heart is the oldest American military decoration still awarded today.