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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN HONOR OF THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART
WHEREAS, The Purple Heart is the oldest military medal, it was created by George Washington in 1782, it was originally called the Badge of Military Merit; and
WHEREAS, the Purple Heart was the first American service award made available to the common Soldier, and is awarded to any member of the United States armed services wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, created by an act of Congress in 1932, is to foster an environment of goodwill among the members and their families; promote patriotism; support related legislative initiatives; and, most importantly, ensure as a nation that we never forget the sacrifices made by those so dedicated to our freedoms; and
WHEREAS, many veterans of Cook County have been the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal as a result of an act of courage to save fellow service members, by being wounded while engaged in combat with enemy forces, or as a singularly meritorious act of essential service to our nation; and
WHEREAS, the County of Cook has always honored the immeasurable wartime and peacetime contributions and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, many men and women in uniform have given their lives to keep Americans safe at home during war-time and peace-time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize its gratefulness to veterans both local and nationwide, who have sacrificed so much for Americans by designating Cook County as a Purple Heart County.
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