LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the New York State Military Order of
the Purple Heart upon the occasion of hosting its Annual State Conven-
tion

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the New York
State Military Order of the Purple Heart upon the occasion of hosting
its Annual State Convention on May 5, 2012, in Newburgh, New York; and
WHEREAS, At this honorable gathering, where Purple Heart recipients,
members from the National Military Order of the Purple Heart and other
dignitaries from across New York and the entire nation will be in
attendance, the New York State Military Order of the Purple Heart will
elect its officers and recognize honored guests; and
WHEREAS, In 1932, the organization now known as the Military Order of
the Purple Heart was formed for the protection and mutual interest of
all who have received the Purple Heart Medal through the institute of
heraldry; and
WHEREAS, Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, the Military
Order of the Purple Heart is the only veterans' service organization
comprised strictly of combat wounded veterans; and
WHEREAS, In addition, wives, mothers, daughters, step-daughters and
adopted daughters of Purple Heart recipients are eligible to belong to
the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, which
also does important work nationally and locally; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to
foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie amongst combat wounded
veterans, promote patriotism, support legislative initiatives of the
Military Order of the Purple Heart and provide service to all veterans
and their families; 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
killed or wounded in action; and
WHEREAS, On August 7, 1782, during the American Revolution, General
George Washington issued an order establishing the Badge of Military
Merit to honor merit, particularly among the enlisted soldiers; consist-
ing of a heart made of purple cloth, the Badge of Military Merit was
distinctive because it was open only to enlisted men; and
WHEREAS, Although not continued after the American Revolution, the
Badge of Military Merit was later renamed the Purple Heart and rein-
stated by the United States 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 to honor almost two million Americans who have been killed
or wounded 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; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that we, the benefactors of the
sacrifices and courageous acts of the men and women who served and
continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces, express our appre-
ciation and eternal gratitude for their service to our great nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the New York State Military Order of the Purple Heart upon the
occasion of hosting its Annual State Convention on May 5, 2012, in
Newburgh, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New York Department, Military Order of the Purple Heart.