Honor Evans as Purple Heart

Senate Resolution No. 2710 BY: Senator JACOBS CONGRATULATING the Town of Evans upon the occasion of being designated a Purple Heart Community WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize designations of significance which exemplify the history and development of the State of New York; each city, town, village and hamlet within the borders of our great Empire State proudly resonates with its rich and noble history; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Town of Evans upon the occasion of being designated a Purple Heart Community; and WHEREAS, This auspicious title will be celebrated at an Unveiling Ceremony of the Town of Evans Purple Heart sign on Wednesday, June 14,

2017; the sign will be placed on Beach Road, between Erie Road and South Main Street; and WHEREAS, The Town of Evans is receiving this recognition in honor of its men and women in uniform who were wounded or killed while serving to protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's oldest military medal, the Purple Heart is a combat decoration first created by General George Washington in 1782, and was known as the Badge of Military Merit; the first medals were bestowed upon three soldiers in Newburgh, New York; and WHEREAS, The current Purple Heart medal was developed by General Douglas MacArthur in 1932; the new design was created by Elisabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quartermaster General; and WHEREAS, The revived form is of metal, instead of perishable cloth, made in the shape of a rich purple heart bordered with gold, with a bust of President George Washington in the center and his coat-of-arms at the top; and WHEREAS, The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States armed forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action; and WHEREAS, The citizens of the Town of Evans have great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all men and women who have selflessly served their country in the United States armed services; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing in action; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad, these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the Town of Evans upon the occasion of being designated a Purple Heart Community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mary K. Hosler, Supervisor, Town of Evans.