82R9040 JH-D
By: Hinojosa S.C.R. No. 37
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The exemplary acts of bravery and distinguished
service rendered by the members of the United States military are
honored in a variety of ways, but it is the Purple Heart that speaks
most eloquently to the essential sacrifices that are often required
of those who fight for our nation; and
WHEREAS, The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the
president of the United States to any member of the armed forces who
is wounded or killed by the enemy in combat operations; and
WHEREAS, This medal dates to the early years of our nation,
having originally been authorized by General George Washington, on
August 7, 1782, to recognize members of the Continental Army during
the Revolutionary War; known as the Badge of Military Merit, the
award created by General Washington entitled recipients to wear a
heart-shaped figure of purple cloth as a symbol of their exemplary
actions; and
WHEREAS, When reestablished in 1932, the Purple Heart was
initially a commendation for members of the U.S. Army and U.S. Army
Air Corps and was retroactively awarded to soldiers in previous
conflicts; in 1942, its scope was broadened to include the members
of all branches of the military who had been killed or wounded in
action, and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor estimates that
1.7 million Americans have received the medal through the years;
and
WHEREAS, In momentous conflicts that range from the Civil War
through the present engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, valiant
men and women have stepped into harm's way to defend our country,
and those who paid with their lives or who were wounded in combat
are deservedly honored by being designated recipients of the Purple
Heart; and
WHEREAS, These courageous individuals are owed a debt of
remembrance by all who have benefited from their service, and it is
indeed appropriate that their heroism be annually honored by the
citizens of Texas on August 7, the anniversary of the date on which
General Washington established the Badge of Military Merit; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate August 7 as Purple Heart Day and urge all Texans to
reflect on the extraordinary contributions made by the past and
present members of the United States armed forces; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.004(d), Government Code, the designation expires on the 10th
anniversary of the date this resolution is passed by the
legislature.