STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York recently became the latest state in the union to declare itself an official “Purple Heart State.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation in early November adopting the official designation as part of a package of bills honoring past and present service members.
“Our veterans and service members made the selfless choice to step up to protect our nation and our liberties,” Hochul said following her signing of the bills. “Signing this legislative package ensures that those who served our country face fewer barriers to employment and benefits and are properly honored for their commitment to our country.”
Service members wounded or killed in combat receive the nation’s Purple Heart as a medal for their service.
The legislation counts New York among several states that already count themselves as “Purple Heart States,” including Ohio, Washington and Virginia.
New York’s Hudson River Valley is also home to the Purple Heart Hall of Honor, the nation’s only repository dedicated to the preservation and collection of the stories of Purple Heart recipients.
Assemblymember John McDonald, a Democrat representing part of upstate New York, sponsored the “Purple Heart State” legislation and praised the governor for her signature.
“I was proud to sponsor this legislation designating New York as a Purple Heart State so that we, as New Yorkers, can collectively express our gratitude to the approximately 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients nationwide for their sacrifice and courage,” he said. “I thank Governor Hochul for signing this important bill into law and for her continued support of our Veterans.”