Padavan seeks Purple Heart recipients

A search for Purple Heart medal recipients who live in Queens has been launched by Senator Frank Padavan for induction in the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.
Scheduled to open this November in Vails Gate in New York's historic Hudson Valley region, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor will be a short two-hour drive from Queens.
It aims to preserve the extraordinary stories of all medal recipients, deceased or alive, through videotaped interviews, photos, letters and other mementos, as well as an Internet connection to classrooms and libraries.
The Purple Heart was created as the Badge of Military Merit by the first American president - General George Washington. It was the first American award created to decorate the common soldier for acts of outstanding valor and bravery. The U.S. War Department revived the Purple Heart decoration on February 22, 1932.
The Purple Heart Medal has been awarded to nearly two million brave Americans who have been wounded or killed in combat in service to their country.
&#8220I think it is important to recognize and respect those who have so bravely fought for our freedom. The Hall of Honor will help us to teach future generations the important role these heroes played in our past,” Padavan said.
Queens residents with information on Purple Heart recipients may contact Senator Padavan's office at 718-343-0255 or email Padavan@senate.state.ny.us - write in the subject line Purple Heart.