Senator Daphne Jordan’s legislation designating New York as a “Purple Heart State” unanimously passes State Senate with strong bipartisan support

Albany, NY – New York State Senator Daphne Jordan (R,C,I-Halfmoon), Member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, today proudly announced that her bipartisan legislation designating New York as a “Purple Heart State” unanimously passed the State Senate during today’s session.

Senator Jordan’s legislation, Senate Bill S.2279, designating the state of New York as a Purple Heart State to recognize the heroic sacrifices that America’s courageous, selfless soldiers have made to protect our country, unanimously passed the Senate today by a vote of 63-0.

The Purple Heart is the oldest, and among the most venerated, military decorations awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. Military. Created by General George Washington to honor and thank the brave soldiers who fought under his command for America’s independence, the Purple Heart has been awarded to almost two million American patriots that have been wounded in battle or killed in action.

Within Senator Jordan’s 43^rd District that includes 60 municipalities, 48 towns, villages, and cities in all four counties (Saratoga, Rensselaer, Washington, and Columbia) have successfully passed local resolutions and become Purple Heart Communities and Counties. Out of the 62 Counties in New York State, 40 are now Purple Heart Communities, and, in several more, the designation is currently pending. Furthermore, 18 other areas, including buildings, trails, and parts of highways, have been renamed with the Purple Heart designation.

“Since 2019, I’ve led a grassroots, nonpartisan, statewide effort to honor the courage and commitment of Purple Heart recipients, recognize these incredible heroes, and affirm a local community’s respect and recognition of these proud patriots, so many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation and preserve our freedom. I’m thrilled that my bipartisan legislation establishing New York as a Purple Heart State has unanimously passed the Senate so we can take the next step toward expanding this important designation. Now, the Assembly needs to follow suit and make this statewide designation a reality so we can fully honor New York’s best and bravest, our Purple Heart recipients,” Senator Jordan said.

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