Purple Heart recipients to be honored
MARY LOU RATH New York State Senator
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, where veterans' extraordinary stories of

service and sacrifice will forever be preserved, is set for its grand opening on Nov. 10. Noting there are approximately 150,000 veterans in Western New York, I am currently working to help ensure that our local Purple Heart recipients are represented in the Hall of Honor.

The Hall of Honor is located in the picturesque setting of the 1782-83 encampment of George Washington's Army at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site in Vails Gate, where 150 veterans of World War I received their Purple Hearts in 1932.

Sixty miles north of Manhattan, and 10 miles north of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, this location reminds us to remember those who are no longer with us, to appreciate those who live on as witnesses to war, and to pass this legacy and lessons on to young people all over the world.

Inside the new facility, a computerized interactive "Roll of Honor" will recall the names and stories of Purple Heart recipients from across the nation and the generations, which will be shared with citizens of the world over the Internet. In video theaters, guests will learn unique history lessons directly from those who made history through interviews with Purple Heart recipients themselves.

Film and exhibits will convey the experience of going into battle and its outcome, the heroic efforts of medical personnel, and the return home as a changed person.

The Purple Heart is one of the most recognizable and distinguished of military honors and given to those who have sacrificed their very bodies and souls for our nation.

It's only fitting these heroes be provided a hall of honor in order to give them the recognition they deserve. To help ensure that constituents in my district who have received a Purple Heart are appropriately honored, I am asking for those who have received a Purple Heart or know of a Purple Heart recipient to contact my office.

The Purple Heart Medal has been awarded to nearly 2 million brave Americans who have been wounded or killed in combat in service to their country.

The Purple Heart Hall of Honor aims to preserve the extraordinary stories of all medal recipients, deceased or living, through videotaped interviews, photos, letters and other mementos - perhaps a good luck token a Purple Heart recipient carried - in order to bring visitors that much closer to understanding the experience shared by all veterans.

Currently I am working with local veterans organizations, including VFW and American Legion posts, and the Vietnam Veterans of America, to identify local Purple Heart recipients.

Whether you are a Purple Heart recipient yourself or would like to recognize a comrade in arms who was, or remember a family member, your help is essential.

Those with information on Purple Heart recipients may contact my office at 633-0331 or visit www. senatorrath. com.