**New York Officially Becomes a ‘Purple Heart State’**
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York has officially joined a growing number of states in recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of military service members by declaring itself a “Purple Heart State.” Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation in early November to adopt the designation as part of a larger package of bills focused on honoring veterans and current service members.
“Our veterans and service members made the selfless choice to step up to protect our nation and our liberties,” Hochul said after signing the bills. “Signing this legislative package ensures that those who served our country face fewer barriers to employment and benefits and are properly honored for their commitment to our country.”
The Purple Heart is awarded to service members wounded or killed in combat. By becoming a Purple Heart State, New York joins the ranks of states such as Ohio, Washington, and Virginia in formally recognizing the sacrifices of these heroes.
New York is also home to the Purple Heart Hall of Honor, located in the Hudson River Valley—the nation’s only repository dedicated to preserving and collecting the stories of Purple Heart recipients.
Assemblymember John McDonald, a Democrat representing part of upstate New York, sponsored the Purple Heart State legislation and expressed gratitude after the governor’s signature. “I was proud to sponsor this legislation designating New York as a Purple Heart State so that we, as New Yorkers, can collectively express our gratitude to the approximately 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients nationwide for their sacrifice and courage,” he said. “I thank Governor Hochul for signing this important bill into law and for her continued support of our veterans.”
With this new designation, New York continues to demonstrate its commitment to honoring the bravery and service of veterans, both past and present.
https://www.silive.com/news/2025/12/new-york-becomes-latest-designated-purple-heart-state.html