New Windsor, NY – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today joined Governor George E. Pataki, Purple Heart medal recipients and their families, and representatives from the U.S. Armed Services at the opening ceremony for the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, NY.

Senator Clinton, who championed the creation of the Purple Heart Postage Stamp and has sponsored Senate-passed resolutions supporting the goals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day, is supporting legislation in the Senate to recognize and support the efforts of the State of New York to develop the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is the only institution in the nation dedicated solely to honoring and archiving the tremendous sacrifices of Purple Heart medal recipients.

“On the eve of Veterans’ Day, this is an important and historic occasion for veterans and New Yorkers alike. The Hall of Honor gives us the ability to celebrate and honor our brave men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much, while creating an open and welcoming place for everyone to learn about their incredible service to our country and to freedom. Every soldier who has received this award deserves to have a place where they can be honored. I am proud to be a supporter of the Purple Heart Stamp, of National Purple Heart Recognition Day and of this wonderful Hall of Honor. I hope that this place will stand as a center for celebration, remembrance and learning for generations to come,” Senator Clinton said.

In related events, Senator Clinton also welcomed news that Marine Corporal Jason Dunham, who died in Iraq saving his comrades from a grenade blast, will receive a posthumous Medal of Honor - the nation's highest military decoration. Senator Clinton was the Senate sponsor of legislation to rename the United States Postal Service facility located at 4422 West Sciota Street in Scio, New York, as the “Corporal Jason L. Dunham Post Office”.

“It is a fitting tribute to a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of his Nation and the Marines with whom he proudly served. Corporal Dunham’s actions in Iraq were truly humbling and worthy of this great honor,” Senator Clinton said.

Senator Clinton has been an unwavering champion in the fight to recognize the heroism of those who have received the Purple Heart. The Senator was honored earlier this year as the first woman to receive the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s (MOPH) Inspirational Leadership Award and is currently working to get Senate approval for H. Con. Res. 419, legislation sponsored by Congresswomen Sue Kelly (R-NY) that seeks to recognize and support the efforts of the State of New York to develop the National Purple Heart Hall of Fame.

Senator Clinton co-sponsored legislation (S. Con. Res. 56) during the 107th Congress expressing the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued to honor members of the Armed Forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart. Senator Clinton wrote to the U.S. Postmaster General urging support for a commemorative stamp to pay tribute to the Order of the Purple Heart for Military Merit. And in May 2003, Senator Clinton attended the ceremony to launch the first issue of the Purple Heart Stamp in Newburgh, NY. The Senate has also approved legislation, sponsored by Senator Clinton and Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), supporting a “National Purple Heart Recognition Day” and honoring all soldiers who were severely injured while serving their country and who were awarded a Purple Heart.

###