[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 419 Referred in Senate (RFS)]


109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 419


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 20, 2006

        Received and referred to the Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                         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
    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.

            Passed the House of Representatives September 19, 2006.

            Attest:

                                                 KAREN L. HAAS,

                                                                 Clerk.