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MONEY SOUGHT FOR PURPLE HEART HALL OF HONOR - 16 August, 2004
Michael J. Clark, manager of the historic site at the New Windsor Cantonment, is involved in a huge project. Because the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor will be located at the historic site, he wants everyone to know about it. He's been making presentations to groups, individuals and businesses.
The Purple Heart is the medal given to Americans wounded or killed in combat in service to their country. George Washington awarded the first medal. Since then, more than 800,000 soldiers have received the Purple Heart for service to our country. There are exhibits featuring a Purple Heart display in many military museums. The national museum will be dedicated exclusively to honoring the recipients. There will be computers and electronic devices on which material is stored. People can call up a name and get information. Some of the material will be provided by the recipients.
"It will be a museum set up in the voice of the veteran," said Clark. "This isn't a typical military museum; we won't be in competition with any other museums."
The proposed 7,500-square-foot, two-story facility will include a reception area, gallery, exhibit hall, presentation room and learning and education center for groups and tours.
The cost is estimated at $5 million. So far, $2 million has been pledged by New York state and the federal government, and the National Order of the Purple Heart has given $500,000. The rest will come from a variety of sources, including private donations and fund-raisers.
In addition to financial support, Clark is seeking material about Purple Heart recipients. He's received quite a bit so far from all over the nation, but very little from our area. He is seeking photographs of the recipient, stories about the incident for which the medal was awarded and memorabilia. In instances where photographs or materials are not available, Clark notes that a listing and a photograph of a gravestone or marker is better than nothing.
It is important, however, to call first before sending anything. Phone queries can be made by calling the historic site at 561-1765. Once contact is made, items can be mailed to P.O. Box 207, Vail's Gate 12584.
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