[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 92 (Friday, June 10, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E880]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PURPLE HEART DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 10, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to 
rise today to pay tribute to California's Fifth Congressional District 
as home to recipients of the Purple Heart. So many of our residents 
have honorably served our nation in its time of need. As a reflection 
of Northern California's role in war efforts past and present and the 
deep personal sacrifice of so many of our residents, I stand to assert 
that California's Fifth Congressional District should be recognized as 
a ``Purple Heart District.''
  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 an estimated 1.8 
million military members wounded or killed while serving our nation. I 
received my Purple Heart while serving in the 173rd Airborne Brigade in 
Vietnam.
  California has a strong military tradition, home to many significant 
installations and countless remarkable individuals. Our district 
includes the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard--the first U.S. Navy 
base on the Pacific coast--and is adjacent to Travis Air Force Base, 
which handles more cargo and passengers than any other military air 
terminal in the United States. Many notable veterans have called our 
district home, including pioneering pilot and General of the Army and 
Air Force Henry ``Hap'' Arnold. Over 45,000 veterans currently reside 
in our district, including thousands from the wars in Iraq and 
Afghanistan, who are living with the wounds of war at higher rates than 
any other conflict in our history. I am honored to represent all of 
these valiant men and women.
  Mr. Speaker, California 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 brave men and women who have been harmed 
defending our country and our freedom.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognition and appreciation of 
California's Purple Heart recipients past and present. Now, in the 
spirit of that appreciation, let it be known that California's Fifth 
Congressional District should be recognized as a ``Purple Heart 
District.''

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