Senator Larkin Passes Bill Designating Tappan Zee Bridge As “The Purple Heart Memorial Bridge”

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C-I, 39^th District) announced today that his bill (S4127) designating “The Governor Malcolm Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge” as “The Purple Heart Memorial Bridge” passed the New York State Senate.

“Senator Larkin’s efforts to honor us as Purple Heart recipients is unmatched,” said William Nazario, National Senior Vice Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  “For years we have been fighting alongside Senator Larkin to see this dream become a reality.  With over 140,000 vehicles traveling every day over The Purple Heart Memorial Bridge I believe we will be appropriately honoring our combat-wounded brothers and sisters of purple.”

“There are nearly 2 million Purple Heart recipients across our great nation,” said Senator Bill Larkin.  “It is imperative that we never lose sight of the sacrifice they and their families have made for our state and our country.  The Hudson Valley is rich with military history.  It is the home of West Point, it is the home of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and now we are one step closer to it being the home of The Purple Heart Memorial Bridge.”

Prior to his efforts on this bill, Senator Larkin led two national campaigns to ensure that our nation does not forget the servicemen and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal for being killed or wounded in combat.  Those campaigns include the effort to establish The Purple Heart Forever Stamp and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

Senator Larkin retired from the United States Army after 23 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  He saw combat during World War II in the Philippines operation, and during the Korean War.  Senator Larkin was the recipient of the Legion of Merit and seven Army Commendation Medals.  He was awarded one Battle Star for the Philippines and six Battle Stars for the Korean War.

This Bill was passed by the Senate today as part of a comprehensive Memorial Day package honoring veterans, their families and our country.  The companion bill to Senate Bill 4127, Assembly Bill 5805, is awaiting review in the Assembly Committee on Transportation.