Senators Collins, Manchin Announce Passage of Their Resolution Supporting Purple Heart Day

Click HERE to read the text of the resolution

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced today that their resolution in support of National Purple Heart Recognition Day on August 7th passed the Senate unanimously. The bipartisan resolution was cosponsored by a total of 23 Senators. Purple Heart Day recognizes the sacrifices of those who have earned the Purple Heart Medal and is commemorated each year on the anniversary of George Washington creating the “Badge for Military Merit,” the precursor to the Purple Heart.

The resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day, encourages citizens to learn about the history of the Purple Heart Medal, and requests that the president issue an annual proclamation calling on the people of the U.S. to demonstrate support for Purple Heart recipients.

“The Purple Heart is a reminder that freedom is a gift purchased at the greatest possible price,” said Senator Collins. “I am delighted that the Senate unanimously passed our resolution, which encourages all Americans to learn the history of this important military award and to understand and honor the sacrifices of the many men and women in uniform who have earned the Purple Heart.”

“Just as the Purple Heart Medal has held a special meaning to its millions of recipients and their families, it also has special significance to me and my family,” Senator Collins continued.  “My father, who died earlier this year, was a proud World War II veteran who was wounded twice during the Battle of the Bulge.  He earned two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star, and it was from him that I first learned to honor and respect our veterans.”

“Our service men and women who bravely put their lives on the line deserve the most distinguished medals our military can award. The Purple Heart is a symbol of the sacrifice our military members have made. Establishing August 7th as National Purple Heart Recognition Day honors the recipients of this award and encourages every American citizen to take a moment and appreciate the sacrifices they have made so we can all live free,” Senator Manchin said.

“For the second year in a row, Senator Collins and Senator Manchin have honored Purple Heart recipients everywhere with their resolution supporting National Purple Heart Recognition Day,” said Neil Van Ess, National Commander of Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).  “The Purple Heart is our national symbol of military sacrifice, and it is most appropriate that all Americans should have a day to recognize those who earned it throughout history. MOPH deeply thanks Senators Collins and Manchin for once again making that a reality.”

The resolution was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Boozman (R-AR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), James Inhofe (R-OK), John Thune (R-SD), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Todd Young (R-IN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).