109 HCON 419 EH: 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, and for other purposes. U.S. House of Representatives 0 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 109th CONGRESS 2d Session H. CON. RES. 419 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 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, and for other purposes.

Whereas George Washington, at his headquarters in Newburgh, New York, on August 7, 1782, devised a Badge of Military Merit to be given to enlisted men and noncommissioned officers for meritorious action; 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; 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; Whereas the Badge of Military Merit, an award for military merit in the Revolutionary War, is the inspiration for today's Purple Heart medal; 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; Whereas more than 800,000 members of the Armed Forces have been awarded the Purple Heart; 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 that distinguished combat award; 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 throughout the Nation’s history, 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

That the Congress— (1) recognizes and supports the efforts of the State of New York to develop and maintain the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor 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 that distinguished combat award; and (2)encourages the people of the United States as well as Federal departments and agencies to cooperate, assist, and participate in educating and informing individuals about the history and importance of the Purple Heart and about the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

Passed the House of Representatives September 19, 2006.Karen L. HaasClerk.