SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5718

                        AS PASSED SENATE, JUNE 24, 1991

Brief Description:  Establishing purple heart recipient recognition day.

SPONSORS:Senators Owen, Oke, Rasmussen, Conner, Nelson, Thorsness, Bauer and von Reichbauer.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Roach, Vice Chairman; Madsen, Matson, and Sutherland. 

Staff:  Barbara Howard (786‑7410)

Hearing Dates:February 26, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Many veterans in Washington State are recipients of the Purple Heart, a national decoration for members of the armed forces wounded in combat.  The award was originally established by General George Washington in 1782, making it the oldest still in use.

There is no statewide recognition of these recipients' valor.

SUMMARY:

August 7 is recognized as Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day.  It is not considered a legal holiday for any purpose.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

This is the most historic recognition of extraordinary valor in armed combat.  When it was created during the Revolutionary War by General Washington, it was the first time that enlisted men, as well as officers, could receive any military award.  It is especially timely to give a day of recognition to those on active duty whose service directly endangered or cost their lives.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Bob Chandler, State Inspector, Order of the Purple Heart; Bill Merifield, Veterans Advisory Council; Keith Sherman, Veterans Legislative Coalition