S.Res. 591 – A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recogniti…

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Updated April 15, 2026 at 11:03 PM UTC

The Senate adopted a resolution that backs National Purple Heart Recognition Day, a day set for August 7, 2018, to honor the history and recipients of the Purple Heart medal. The resolution urges Americans to learn about the medal’s origins, recognize those who have earned it, and hold appropriate events to show support. It affects the public by encouraging educational and commemorative activities related to the Purple Heart.

Key Provisions

The Senate formally supports the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
It encourages all U.S. citizens to learn about the Purple Heart’s history.
It calls for honoring Purple Heart recipients.
It urges the conduct of ceremonies, activities, and programs that demonstrate support for Purple Heart awardees.

Legislative Activity

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Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5312; text: CR S5270; Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S5270)

July 24, 2018

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Introduced in Senate

July 24, 2018

SenateFloor

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5312; text: CR S5270; Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S5270)

July 24, 2018

Floor Debate

2 members

What members said about S.Res. 591 on the floor

2 Republicans

Sen. Susan M. CollinsR-ME · Jul 24, 2018

Mr. President, I rise to speak on my resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day. I am pleased to have been joined in sponsoring this resolution by the senior…

Mr. President, I rise to speak on my resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day. I am pleased to have been joined in sponsoring this resolution by the senior senator from West Virginia, Senator Manchin, and 22 of our Senate colleagues.

The Purple Heart's history goes as far back as the founding of our Nation. General George Washington established what is now known as the Purple Heart Medal when he issued an order establishing the Military Badge of Merit on August 7, 1782. General Washington wished for the award to be used to recognize meritorious action performed by members of the Continental Army, and it took the form of a purple heart.

The Military Badge of Merit was discontinued after the Revolution and was not revived until 1932, when the Purple Heart medal was authorized as its official successor decoration. On February 22, 1932, the 200th Anniversary of the birth of George Washington, then-Army Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur resurrected the award, and it was re- designated as the Purple Heart. Quite appropriately, this reestablished Purple Heart Medal exhibits the bust and profile of George Washington.

It is around this time that the Purple Heart became synonymous with those unfortunate heroes who were killed or wounded in combat. Since 1932, the U.S. Military has awarded more than 1.8 million Purple Hearts.

Just as the Purple Heart Medal has held a special meaning to its millions of recipients and their families, it also has special significance to me and my family. My father, who died earlier this year, was a proud World War II veteran who was wounded twice during the Battle of the Bulge. He earned two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star, and it was from him that I first learned to honor and respect our veterans.

Mr. President, the Purple Heart is a reminder that freedom is a gift purchased at the greatest possible price, and it is for that reason that I am sponsoring this resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day. I believe it is vitally important for all Americans to learn the history of this important military award, and to understand and honor the sacrifices of the many men and women in uniform who have earned the Purple Heart. I am grateful to all of my colleagues who have joined me in supporting this important resolution.

Sen. Mike RoundsR-SD · Jul 24, 2018

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following Senate resolutions, which were submitted earlier today: S. Res. 589, S. Res. 590, and…

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Agreed to SenateIssued July 24, 2018

III

115th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 591

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

July 24, 2018

Ms. Collins (for herself, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Tester, Ms. Warren, Mr. Markey, Ms. Baldwin, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Peters, Mr. Boozman, Ms. Smith, Mr. Merkley, Mrs. Ernst, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Thune, Mr. Moran, Mr. Daines, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Young, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Donnelly, and Mrs. Feinstein) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.

Whereas, on August 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War, General George Washington established what is now known as the Purple Heart Medal when he issued an order establishing the Badge of Military Merit;

Whereas the Badge of Military Merit was designed in the shape of a heart in purple cloth or silk;

Whereas, while the award of the Badge of Military Merit ceased with the end of the Revolutionary War, the Purple Heart Medal was authorized in 1932 as the official successor decoration to the Badge of Military Merit;

Whereas the Purple Heart Medal is the oldest United States military decoration in present use;

Whereas the Purple Heart Medal is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to recognize members of the Armed Forces who are killed or wounded in action against an enemy of the United States or are killed or wounded while held as prisoners of war;

Whereas the Purple Heart Medal has been awarded to an estimated 1,800,000 recipients; and

Whereas August 7, 2018, is an appropriate day to celebrate as National Purple Heart Recognition Day: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

supports the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day; and

(2)

encourages all people of the United States—

(A)

to learn about the history of the Purple Heart Medal;

(B)

to honor recipients of the Purple Heart Medal; and

(C)

to conduct appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate support for people who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.

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