New State Designation Celebrated at National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
If you weren't aware, the Hudson Valley is home to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Located in New Windsor, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor opened 20 years ago, back in 2006, paying homage to the nearly 2 million Active military members who have been wounded or killed by enemy action.
It is the nation's only museum dedicated to 'collecting, preserving, and sharing the stories of Purple Heart recipients.' In 2019, the site began a $17 million renovation project, adding more than 4,000 square feet of new and refurbished exhibit space and enhancements to the site.
Purple Heart State Program Launched by NYS Department of Veterans' Services
Last year, as part of a Veterans Day legislative package signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, New York was officially designated as a Purple Heart State, joining the likes of Ohio, Washington, and Virginia.
The designation formally recognized the sacrifices made by our State’s Purple Heart recipients and affirms New York’s commitment to supporting All Who Served through meaningful action.
On Tuesday, February 24th, the New York State Department of Veteran's Services commemorated the state's official designation as a Purple Heart State with a kickoff program at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor. The event 'marked a historic moment recognizing New York's commitment to our Purple Heart recipients and ensuring their stories are remembered for generations to come.'
Representatives from the New York State Department of Veterans' Services as well as a Vietnam War Purple Heart Recipient, pictured below, were on site for the program, while others including senators and assembly members provided video messages in recognition of the historic designation.
Anita Pidalta, Director of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor shared the following:
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor exists to preserve the incredible, personal stories behind this medal – stories of courage, resilience, and sacrifice. Hosting this program alongside the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services allows us to highlight both the history of the Purple Heart and the living legacy carried forward by its recipients and their families.
