[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 419 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]


        H.Con.Res.419
                                              Agreed to December 6, 2006

                       One Hundred Ninth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

          Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
             the third day of January, two thousand and six


                          Concurrent Resolution

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

    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),  
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.
Attest:

                                 Clerk of the House of Representatives.

Attest:

                                               Secretary of the Senate.