Senator Jordan Bill to Designate New York as a “Purple Heart State” Passes Senate

Albany, NY – The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator Daphne Jordan, Member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, to designate New York as a “Purple Heart State.”

Senate bill S.2279 would recognize the heroic sacrifices that America’s courageous and selfless soldiers have made to protect our country. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously/with strong bipartisan support.

“Since 2019, I have championed this grassroots effort to honor and remember the courage of our Purple Heart recipients. Designating New York as a Purple Heart State is in comparison a small way we can recognize and honor the sacrifices of those who have been wounded or killed in combat and awarded the Purple Heart. This bill has passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support for several years, and I call on my colleagues in the Assembly to follow suit so we can properly recognize and honor our brave heroes,” said Senator Jordan.

The Purple Heart is the oldest, and among the most venerated, military decorations awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. Military. Created by General George Washington to honor and thank the brave soldiers who fought under his command for America’s independence, the Purple Heart has been awarded to almost two million American patriots that have been wounded in battle or killed in action.

Within Senator Jordan’s 43rd District, all of the 60 towns, villages and cities are now Purple Heart Communities, and all four counties – Saratoga, Rensselaer, Washington, and Columbia – have successfully passed local resolutions to become Purple Heart Counties. In addition, out of the 62 Counties in New York State, more than 40 are now Purple Heart Communities – and several more have the designation pending. Several other areas throughout the state – including universities, buildings, trails, and highways, have been renamed with the Purple Heart designation.

The bill was sent to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblymember Jake Ashby.