Senate Resolution No. 2710

BY: Senator JACOBS

CONGRATULATING the Town of Evans upon the occasion
of being designated a Purple Heart Community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
designations of significance which exemplify the history and development
of the State of New York; each city, town, village and hamlet within the
borders of our great Empire State proudly resonates with its rich and
noble history; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate the Town of Evans upon the occasion of being designated a
Purple Heart Community; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious title will be celebrated at an Unveiling
Ceremony of the Town of Evans Purple Heart sign on Wednesday, June 14,
2017; the sign will be placed on Beach Road, between Erie Road and South
Main Street; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Evans is receiving this recognition in honor of
its men and women in uniform who were wounded or killed while serving to
protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's oldest military medal, the Purple Heart is a
combat decoration first created by General George Washington in 1782,
and was known as the Badge of Military Merit; the first medals were
bestowed upon three soldiers in Newburgh, New York; and

WHEREAS, The current Purple Heart medal was developed by General
Douglas MacArthur in 1932; the new design was created by Elisabeth Will,
an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quartermaster General;
and

WHEREAS, The revived form is of metal, instead of perishable cloth,
made in the shape of a rich purple heart bordered with gold, with a bust
of President George Washington in the center and his coat-of-arms at the
top; and

WHEREAS, The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States
armed forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the
enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are
killed in action or die of wounds received in action; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of the Town of Evans have great admiration and
the utmost gratitude for all men and women who have selflessly served
their country in the United States armed services; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Town of Evans upon the occasion of being designated a
Purple Heart Community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mary K. Hosler, Supervisor, Town of Evans.