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223rd anniversary of Purple Heart medal marked at New Windsor Cantonment - 8 August, 2005
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The 223rd anniversary of General George Washington’s creation of the Badge of Military Merit was noted yesterday where it all began, at the New Cantonment.
Purple Heart Day celebrates the day in 1782 when Washington first instituted the then called Badge of Military Merit while at his headquarters in the City of Newburgh. It was the first reward for regularly enlisted soldiers, and only to those who were wounded or killed in combat.
The Badge was only given to two or three soldiers during the American Revolution, and served as the inspiration for the future Purple Heart, which was first given in 1932 to veterans of World War I.
World War II Veteran Warren Craig of Newburgh was awarded a Purple Heart during wartime, shortly after surviving an attack by Japanese bombers while on a destroyer ship in the South Pacific. Yet, he only found out about it a few years ago. “I was awarded the medal while on a hospital ship, but I never knew I had it until 60 years later,” said an emotional Craig. “Days like today are good for me because I am able to help out other guys who need it. A lot of guys got problems; it’s difficult to handle.”
All these years since Craig was aboard two ships that were sunk by enemy fire, believes the US is doing the right thing in the war against terrorism. “I got to bed every night wondering if I am going to get up in the morning, not because my body will expire, but because of the enemy, he said. “They are out there. I’ve known it for years. I think if we keep our eyes open and keep w them once in a while, they’ll know that we’re not laying down on the job over here.” And Craig said that is exactly why we should be in Iraq.
The New Windsor Cantonment next year will become home to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor to pay tribute to the men and women who have earned the medal in the more than two centuries.
Tittabawassee Valley Fife and Drum Corps
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