National Purple Heart Hall of Honor facts for kids
The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is a special museum in New Windsor, New York. It keeps a national list of military members who were hurt or died during war. This museum is the first and only one in the U.S. dedicated to a military medal. It is located at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site. This was the last camp for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. In 1782, at his headquarters nearby, General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit. This award was for soldiers who showed great bravery.
How the Museum Started
In 1995, a newspaper article talked about building a Purple Heart museum in another state. This made Patric Morrison, a local resident, write a letter. He explained why the museum should be in the Newburgh area of New York. Morrison believed that important events at Washington's Headquarters and New Windsor Cantonment made this the right place. Everett Smith, who published the New Windsor Sentinel newspaper, agreed. He became a strong supporter of the idea.
On August 7, 1782, General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit. He was at his headquarters in Newburgh. This award was for "singularly meritorious action" by regular soldiers. It was the first time soldiers below officer rank were honored this way. Three sergeants, Elijah Churchill, William Brown, and Daniel Bissel, received this Badge in 1783.
After the Revolutionary War, the Badge was not used for a long time. In 1932, it was brought back by General Douglas MacArthur. He redesigned it and renamed it the Purple Heart. This was done to honor George Washington on his 200th birthday. On May 28, 1932, 137 World War I Army veterans received the first Purple Hearts. This happened at the New Windsor Cantonment.
In 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt changed the rules. He said the Purple Heart could be given to all military branches. He also approved giving it to service members who died in combat. This applied to deaths from December 6, 1941, onward. Today, the Purple Heart honors any U.S. military member. It is given to those wounded, killed, or who died from wounds while serving. This goes back to April 5, 1917.
Mr. Morrison's letter and the newspaper article led to action. The Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) decided to create a facility. It would honor the history of the Purple Heart and its recipients. They chose the name Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Kenneth Krieser, a PIPC leader, presented the plan. He had received a Purple Heart himself in Vietnam. His presentation gained support from the Military Order of the Purple Heart. They agreed the name would be the "National" Purple Heart Hall of Honor.
A group called The Genesis Group was formed to support the Hall of Honor. Its members included Everett Smith, Lt. Gen. James D. Hughes, Senator William Larkin, and Joseph Farina. They worked for eleven years to make the Hall of Honor a reality.
On May 24, 2002, U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton from New York announced her support. She introduced a resolution to help create the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.
New York State gave $4.1 million for the museum's planning and building. Other money came from the Military Order of the Purple Heart ($500,000). Federal funds and many donations from veterans and their families also helped. New York Governor George Pataki officially opened the Hall of Honor on November 10, 2006. Later, more money was given to improve and expand the museum. In 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo approved $17 million for this purpose.
Museum's Purpose
The main purpose of the Hall of Honor is to collect and keep the stories of Purple Heart recipients. These stories come from all military branches and different time periods. The museum wants to make sure every recipient is remembered. Their stories are shared through exhibits and interviews. There is also an interactive computer program called the Roll of Honor. It shares details about each person's story.
Special Commemorative Coins
In December 2020, the United States Congress passed a law. This law asked the U.S. Treasury to make special coins. These coins would honor the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. The law allows for making up to 50,000 gold $5 coins. It also allows for 400,000 silver dollar coins and 750,000 half-dollar coins. Any money made from selling these coins will go to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, Inc. This will help them continue their work.
See also
In Spanish: Salón Nacional de Honor del Corazón Púrpura para niños
- Robert O. Binnewies
