By Washington, DC
Buffalo, NY – The Purple Heart may be getting national recognition. U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, D-New York, has introduced a bill that would establish a National Purple Heart Recognition Day. And the symbol may also soon become a commemorative stamp.
The Purple Heart has a story as old as America itself. George Washington first introduced the medal, then called the Badge of Military Merit, at his Revolutionary War Headquarters in Newburg, New York. Senator Clinton says it's long been her goal to commemorate the Purple Heart at this historic spot.
Clinton says she hopes to announce designation of National Purple Heart Recognition Day at the site next year on August 7th. That's the date when Washington presented the first three medals, which still are given to honor those who have been wounded or killed in service to America.
One of the original medals has also been preserved at the Newburgh site. Senator Clinton says the familiar symbol may soon also be placed on a commemorative stamp.
Clinton sent a letter to the commission urging it to approve the selection. She says thousands of people have participated in the grassroots campaign to have the Purple Heart commemorated as a stamp.