LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Temple Hill
Day on May 28, 2012

WHEREAS, On May 28, 1932, 138 World War I veterans were conferred their
Purple Hearts at Temple Hill, in New Windsor, New York; Temple Hill was
the site of the New Windsor Cantonment, which was the final encampment
of the Continental Army in the winter of 1782-1783; and
WHEREAS, 80 years later, on May 28, 2012, the National Purple Heart
Hall of Honor and the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site will
commemorate this occasion by celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Temple
Hill 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
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, 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
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Temple Hill Day on May 28, 2012; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and the New Windsor
Cantonment State Historic Site.