Washington, DC – U.S. Rep John Hall (D-NY19), who is Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives last night in support of a concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.  After the resolution passed the Senate, Hall asked the House Armed Services Committee and House Democratic Leadership to push through passage in the House before Congress goes into recess later this week.

 

“National Purple Heart Recognition day serves to remind the country of those who have suffered injury or death in the defense of our country,” Hall said on the House floor.  “It binds together the past with those currently serving in our military today.  It is always right to remember and honor those who have sacrificed and this resolution encourages American’s to learn more about the history of the Purple Heart and its recipients.”

 

The Purple Heart was established in Newburgh, NY in 1782 by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War.  It is the oldest military decoration in the world that is still in use.  The award was revived in 1932, on the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, to honor his memory and military achievements.  The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to members of the Armed Forces who are wounded in conflict with an enemy force or are wounded while held as prisoners of war, and is awarded posthumously to the next of kin of members of the Armed Forces killed in a conflict with an enemy force or who die of wounds received in conflict.

 

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in the 19th Congressional District in New Windsor, New York.   The Hall of Honor pays tribute to the more than 1,535,000 recipients of the Purple Heart, including the approximately 550,000 of whom are still living. It will host special events on August 7th in tribute to National Purple Heart Recognition Day.

 

-30-