[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 70 (Friday, May 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SOUTH CAROLINA'S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED AS 
                      A ``PURPLE HEART DISTRICT''

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 9, 2014

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to 
rise today to pay tribute to South Carolina's Second Congressional 
District as home to recipients of the Purple Heart. So many of its 
residents have honorably served our nation in its time of need--all 
gave some and some gave all. As a reflection of the Midlands of South 
Carolina's pivotal role in war efforts past and present, and the deep 
personal sacrifice of so many of its residents, I stand to proclaim 
that South Carolina's Second Congressional District should be 
recognized as a ``Purple Heart District.''
  As you know, The Purple Heart is one of the oldest and most 
recognized American military medals, awarded to service members who 
were killed or wounded by enemy action. In 1782, George Washington 
created the Badge of Military Merit to reward ``any singularly 
meritorious action'' displayed by a soldier, non-commissioned officer, 
or officer in the Continental Army. This award was intended to 
encourage gallantry and fidelity among soldiers. General Douglas 
MacArthur (then Army Chief of Staff) revived the award on February 22, 
1932, the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. Since its 
inception and through several wars and conflicts, the Purple Heart has 
been given to more than a million wounded or killed while serving our 
nation.
  South Carolina is home to a proud military tradition, from Fort 
Moultrie to recent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Because of its 
unique location to include Fort Jackson and North Air Force Auxiliary 
Field, with adjacent Shaw Air Force Base, McEntire Joint Air Base, 
Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Beaufort Marine Corps Air 
Station, Beaufort Naval Hospital, and Fort Gordon, the Second 
Congressional District of South Carolina is an ever-expanding center 
for military life. I am honored to represent these valiant men and 
women.
  Mr. Speaker, South Carolina has dispatched thousands of its sons and 
daughters to fight the enemy, many have sacrificed their health and 
many have sacrificed their lives. We will never forget their sacrifices 
and are grateful for the valiant men and women who have been harmed 
defending their country and our freedom.
  I ask that my colleagues to join me in recognition and appreciation 
of South Carolina's Purple Heart recipients past and present. Now, in 
the spirit of that appreciation, let it be known that South Carolina's 
Second Congressional District should be recognized as a ``Purple Heart 
District.''

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