Res 0021-2022

Whereas, According to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization for combat wounded veterans, the Purple Heart Medal is the oldest and among the most venerated military decorations in present use; and Whereas, The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to those wounded or killed in combat by enemy action, or posthumously to their next of kin; and Whereas, On August 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War, General George Washington issued an order establishing a badge of distinction for meritorious action, which consisted of a heart made of purple cloth; and Whereas, The award was notable because it was a way to honor brave soldiers in the lower ranks who fought under General Washington's command for America's independence at a time when only officers were eligible for decoration in European armies; and Whereas, Although discontinued after the Revolutionary War, the decoration was reinstated by the Department of Defense in 1932; and Whereas, Our nation's military leaders have awarded the Purple Heart to honor an estimated 1.8 million Americans who have been wounded in battle or killed in action; and Whereas, New York City is home to 230,000 veterans, according to the New York City Department of Veteran Services; and Whereas, In 2015, the New York City Council issued a proclamation declaring New York City a Purple Heart City; and Whereas, S.2279, sponsored by Senator Daphne Jordan and its companion bill A.7961, sponsored by Assembly Member Jake Ashby, would designate the State of New York a Purple Heart State, recognizing the heroic sacrifices our nation's soldiers have made in order to protect our country; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York reaffirms New York City's status as a Purple Heart City and calls on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign A.7961/S.2279, designating the State of New York a Purple Heart State. Session 12 AH LS #6324/6980 02/16/2022 Session 11 EA LS #18175 Res. #1838-2021 2