Declare Purple Heart Day

August 7, 2019, as Purple Heart Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Sunday, August 7, 2019, as Purple Heart Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Purple Heart Day; and WHEREAS, The Purple Heart Medal is the oldest military decoration in the world in present use, and is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to members of the United States military who have been wounded or killed in action; it was created by General George Washington as a way to honor and thank the brave soldiers who fought under his command for the independence of our great Nation; and WHEREAS, According to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization for combat-wounded veterans, the medal is "the oldest military decoration in the world in present use and the first award made available to a common soldier"; and WHEREAS, On August 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War, General George Washington issued an order establishing a badge of distinction for meritorious action; the badge, which consisted of a heart made of purple cloth, is known to have been awarded to three sergeants from Connecticut regiments; and WHEREAS, Known as the Badge of Military Merit, the award was distinctive because it was available to the lower ranks at a time when only officers were eligible for decoration in European armies; in creating this appropriately exalted honor General Washington wrote "The road to glory in a patriot army is thus open to all."; and WHEREAS, Although not continued after the Revolutionary War, the decoration was reinstated by the U.S. War Department, now the Department of Defense, on February 22, 1932, the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth; and WHEREAS, From the days of General George Washington, our nation's military leaders have awarded the Purple Heart in the name of the President of the United States to honor almost two million Americans who have been wounded in battle or killed in action; and WHEREAS, As Americans, it is our responsibility to ensure that our history is documented and reverence is given to our war heroes who served this great Nation; and WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a very high price for those serving in the military; it is fitting and proper that we, who are the beneficiaries of the courage of those who risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreciation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 7, 2019, as Purple Heart Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.