WHEREAS, our nation and its principles have been defended throughout history by
brave and patriotic men and women who willingly sacrificed their own well being for the cause
of freedom and democracy; and
WHEREAS, President George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit to honor
brave military personnel; and
WHEREAS, in 1932, on the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth, the Badge
of Military Merit was renamed the Order of the Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS, today the Purple Heart is awarded to honor the combat wounded veterans of
this country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home; and
WHEREAS, the 1991 Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5718 recognizing
the seventh day of August as a day to pay tribute to those who hold the distinction of having
been awarded the Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS, our veterans have earned profound and eternal gratitude from all of the
people of this state for their willingness to risk life and limb for the sake of this nation, its
people, and our cherished freedoms;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jay Inslee, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby
proclaim August 7, 2016 to be
Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day
in Washington, and I urge all people in our state to join me in acknowledging and honoring this
state's veterans who have been wounded in battle while defending the principles of democracy,
individual freedom, and human rights.
Signed this 2nd day of August, 2016