New York: A Purple Heart State

Thank you to the Committee members for their strong support of my measure that also has broad, bipartisan support in the State Senate.

The Purple Heart is the oldest, and among the most venerated, American military decorations awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. Military. Designating New York as a Purple Heart State is an important step to honor the heroic sacrifices that our armed forces have made to protect our country.

In my 43rdSenate District, there are 3 counties with the Purple Heart designation — Columbia, Saratoga, Rensselaer — plus 39 local municipalities for a total of 42. There also are 6 colleges within NYS, 6 trails as of 2019, and 15 counties statewide, that have the Purple Heart designation.

These localities and entities understand the importance of honoring America’s brave heroes with this designation, and they also recognize that such a designation ensures their locality is viewed as welcoming and appreciative of our courageous patriots who have served. By adopting this non-partisan designation on a statewide basis, our state can further demonstrate its appreciation for our Purple Heart Veterans. For more details on this initiative that I’m leading, email me at jordan@nysenate.gov.