Designates February 9, 2021 as a Day to Remember Veterans who Earned Purple Heart Medals
The Schenectady County Legislature passed a resolution proclaiming Schenectady County as a Purple Heart Community. The Legislature also designated February 9, 2021 as the day in Schenectady County to remember and recognize Veterans who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal.
The Purple Heart Community designation honors the service and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform who were wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.
“Schenectady County has a proud history of military service, and over 8,500 veterans call our County home,” said Schenectady County Legislator Holly Vellano. “Becoming a Purple Heart Community is one small way for us to honor all servicemembers from our community – past and present – that were injured or lost their lives while serving our country.”
Veterans in Schenectady County
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 8,584 veterans living in Schenectady County, or about 6.1 percent of the population.1
Purple Heart2
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration still presented to service members. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor estimates that 1.8 million Purple Heart Medals have been issued since it was re-established in 1932.
1. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/schenectadycountynewyork/PST045219
2. https://www.thepurpleheart.com/, History and FAQs