Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State landmarks will be illuminated purple on Monday, August 7, 2023 to commemorate Purple Heart Day. On this significant day, the state comes together to pay tribute to the immeasurable sacrifices made by our valiant service members in their dedication to our nation.
“On this Purple Heart Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to the courageous service members who have made tremendous sacrifices in their unwavering commitment to our State and Nation,” Governor Hochul said. “The Purple Heart symbolizes their extraordinary courage and selflessness, and New York is forever grateful to all those who served and received this honor. Today and every day, we stand united in heartfelt appreciation, honoring and recognizing their remarkable service.”
On August 7, 1782, at the Headquarters in Newburgh, New York, General George Washington ordered the creation of the Badge of Military Merit, the predecessor of the modern Purple Heart, the first military decoration of what was to become the United States of America. The modern Purple Heart was later recognized on April 5, 1917.
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, located in New York’s Hudson River Valley, stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifices of those who have been awarded the Purple Heart. Co-located with the historic New Windsor Cantonment, where the Continental Army once resided during the final months of the American Revolutionary War, the Hall of Honor commemorates the awarding of the Purple Heart to 136 local World War I Veterans on the same grounds on May 28, 1932. Serving as America’s oldest military decoration, the Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been killed or wounded by enemy action, symbolizing the courage and resilience of our service members.
New York State Division of Veterans’ Services Director Viviana DeCohen said, “On Purple Heart Day, we honor and salute the exceptional service members who have shown unwavering dedication and made monumental sacrifices to protect the freedoms and way of life we cherish as Americans and New Yorkers. It is both our privilege and responsibility to pay tribute to their military service, while recognizing the profound physical and emotional toll that their selfless acts have borne. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The landmarks to be lit in recognition of Purple Heart Day include:
- One World Trade Center
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
- Niagara Falls
- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- Lake Placid Olympic Center
- MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall
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