[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO IZARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF HORSESHOE BEND

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today to 
commemorate Izard County and the City of Horseshoe Bend as a Purple 
Heart County and a Purple Heart City. I am honored and humbled to 
represent so many veterans throughout the First Congressional District 
of Arkansas. Izard County is home to over 1,400 veterans and Horseshoe 
Bend is home to nine (9) Purple Heart recipients. As a veteran of the 
United States Army, I have a great admiration and the utmost gratitude 
for all the men and women who have selflessly served our Nation.
  The Purple Heart is our Nation's oldest and one of the most 
recognized military medals. It was originally established by General 
George Washington on August 7, 1782, as the ``Badge of Military 
Merit.'' On February 22, 1932, the 200th anniversary of General 
Washington's birthday, it was renamed the Purple Heart Medal by the 
Army War Department. The Purple Heart may be awarded to members of the 
Armed Forces or to any civilian national of the United States who has 
been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received 
while in combat against an enemy, while a member of a peacekeeping 
force, while a Prisoner of War, as a result of a terrorist attack, or 
as a result of a friendly fire incident in hostile territory. Since its 
inception, the Purple Heart has been awarded over an estimated 1.9 
million times to those wounded or killed while serving our Nation.
  On September 12, 2016, a special duel ceremony will be held to 
establish Izard County and the City of Horseshoe Bend as a Purple Heart 
Community. The contributions and sacrifices of the men and women from 
the State of Arkansas, Izard County, and Horseshoe Bend who served in 
the Armed Forces have been vital in protecting the freedoms every 
American enjoys today.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me once again in recognition of Izard County 
and the City of Horseshoe Bend as a Purple Heart County and a Purple 
Heart City.

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