WHEREAS, the people of the The Commonwealth of Massachusetts have great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this community in the Armed Forces for the good of all; and

WHEREAS, contributions and sacrifices of the men and women from Massachusetts who served in harm’s way in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedom and the way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and

WHEREAS, citizens of our Commonwealth of Massachusetts have been killed in action while serving in the Armed Forces and have been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for their ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, citizens of our Commonwealth of Massachusetts have been awarded the Purple Heart for their bodily sacrifice of being wounded in action while engaged in combat; and

WHEREAS, the Purple Heart is the oldest American military decoration in present use and was created as The Badge of Military Merit, made of purple cloth, shaped as a heart with the word “Merit” sewn upon it, on August 7, 1782 in Newburgh, New York by General George Washington.

WHEREAS, the heritage it represents is sacred to those who know the price paid to wear the Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, August 7th is nationally recognized as Purple Heart Appreciation Day; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, We the State Legislature of Massachusetts (I The Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts) on behalf of the grateful citizens of Massachusetts , take pleasure in  proclaiming  Massachusetts a Purple Heart State, honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s men and women in uniform that were wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.

ALSO, BE IT PROCLAIMED, We the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will recognize August 7th annually as Purple Heart Day, and urge the people and organizations of Huntington to display the American Flag as well as other public expressions of recognition of our Purple Heart recipients.