LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim August 7, 2011, as Purple Heart Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to memorialize Governor Andrew
M. Cuomo to proclaim Sunday, August 7, 2011, as Purple Heart Day in the
State of New York in conjunction with National Purple Heart Day; and
WHEREAS, The Purple Heart Medal is the oldest military decoration in
the world in present use, and is awarded in the name of the President of
the United States to members of the United States military who have been
wounded or killed in action; it was created by General George Washington
as a way to honor and thank the brave soldiers who fought under his
command for the independence of our great Nation; and
WHEREAS, According to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an
organization for combat-wounded veterans, the medal is "the oldest mili-
tary decoration in the world in present use and the first award made
available to a common soldier"; and
WHEREAS, On August 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War, General
George Washington issued an order establishing a badge of distinction
for meritorious action; the badge, which consisted of a heart made of
purple cloth, is known to have been awarded to three sergeants from
Connecticut regiments; and
WHEREAS, Known as the Badge of Military Merit, the award was distinc-
tive because it was available to the lower ranks at a time when only
officers were eligible for decoration in European armies; in creating
this appropriately exalted honor General Washington wrote "The road to
glory in a patriot army is thus open to all."; and
WHEREAS, Although not continued after the Revolutionary War, the deco-
ration was reinstated by the U.S. War Department, now the Department of
Defense, on February 22, 1932, the 200th anniversary of George
Washington's birth; and
WHEREAS, From General George Washington to General David Petraeus, our
nation's military leaders have awarded the Purple Heart in the name of
the President of the United States to honor almost two million Americans
who have been wounded in battle or killed in action; and
WHEREAS, As Americans, it is our responsibility to ensure that our
history is documented and reverence is given to our war heroes who
served this great Nation; and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military; it is fitting and
proper that we, who are the beneficiaries of the courage of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 7, 2011, as
Purple Heart Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.