Res. No. 576 Title Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to pass S. Con. Res. 113, by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and H. Con. Res. 399, by Rep. Sue Kelly, recognizing and supporting the efforts of the State of New York to develop the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, New York. Body By Council Members Nelson, Serrano, Clarke, Fidler, Gerson, Golden, Sears, Davis, Diaz, Felder, Gennaro, Jackson, Quinn, Recchia, Sanders, Stewart, DeBlasio, Lanza and Oddo; also Council Member Seabrook Whereas, Much of our success as a nation-much of the peace and prosperity we take for granted-is due in large measure to the tremendous success of our fighting forces, men and women of remarkable character whose tremendous sacrifices have helped shape and inform the modern world, individuals whose legacy has ensured the safety, progress and prosperity of our country for generations to come; and Whereas, Many who have answered the call to duty have done so with exceptional valor, commitment and courage, throwing themselves selflessly into the maelstrom of waged battle and risking their lives in order to protect the inhabitants of our country and maintain the fine principles of democracy that have made our nation great; and Whereas, Over the course of our rich history, the great State of New York has contributed tens of thousands of individuals who have fought valiantly in numerous wars for the democratic principles of freedom and justice upon which our country was founded; and Whereas, From the Third Ulster Militia that defended the interests of Orange County during the Revolutionary War to the 124th New York Volunteer Regiment that was mustered out of New Windsor during the Civil War, and throughout the numerous conflicts that have marked the 20th century, citizens of New York State have repeatedly distinguished themselves in battle; and Whereas, There are numerous awards and honors that our country bestows upon the meritorious brave men and women of our fighting forces, but perhaps none more important or distinguished than the Purple Heart; and Whereas, The Order of the Purple Heart for Military Merit, commonly known as the Purple Heart, is the oldest military decoration in the world in present use; and Whereas, George Washington, at his headquarters in Newburgh, New York, on August 7, 1782, devised the Badge of Military Merit to be given to enlisted men and noncommissioned officers for meritorious action; and Whereas, The Badge of Military Merit became popularly known as the `Purple Heart' because it consisted of the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk edged with narrow lace or binding and was affixed to the uniform coat over the left breast; and Whereas, Badges of Military Merit were awarded during the Revolutionary War by General George Washington at his headquarters in Newburgh, New York, on May 3 and June 8, 1783; and Whereas, The Badge of Military Merit, an award for valor in the Revolutionary War, is the inspiration for today's Purple Heart medal; and Whereas, On the bicentennial of General Washington's birthday in February 1932, the Badge of Military Merit was redesignated by General Douglas MacArthur, then Chief of Staff of the Army, as the Purple Heart, to be awarded to persons killed or wounded in action against an enemy of the United States; and Whereas, More than 1,535,000 members of the Armed Forces have been awarded the Purple Heart; and Whereas, The Nation, as it fights the forces of evil that would undermine those democratic principles upon which the Nation was founded, continues to add brave members of the Armed Forces to the ranks of those who have received the Purple Heart; and Whereas, The State of New York has dedicated substantial resources to the creation of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor to be constructed at the New Windsor Cantonment, a New York State Historic Site, in New Windsor, New York, to honor those individuals who have been awarded the Purple Heart and to inform and educate the people of the United States about the history and importance of this distinguished combat award; and Whereas, The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor will be a permanent place of remembrance of the service and sacrifices made by the members of the Armed Forces wounded or killed in service to America from World War I through the current war against terrorism, both at home and abroad; and Whereas, As the Nation continues to defend the American way, there will be a need for a distinguished place to honor those who in the future are awarded the Purple Heart for their service and sacrifice; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Congress to pass S. Con. Res. 113 by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and H. Con. Res. 399, by Rep. Sue Kelly, recognizing and supporting the efforts of the State of New York to develop the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, New York. WA LS#1309 D-Res. # 10/30/02 |1013| |1013|