Cortlandt Named First Purple Heart Veterans Town in NY
The Town of Cortlandt has been named the first Purple Heart Town in New York State by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Veterans Chapter 21.
Town officials were recently notified of the recognition by William Nazario, chairman of Cortlandt’s Hudson Valley Veterans’ Committee and a Purple Heart recipient from the Vietnam War.
“This proclamation honors the many residents who have been wounded or killed defending our great nation’s liberties since the birth of our nation,” stated Nazario, who is also vice commander of the Department of New York Military Order of the Purple Heart.
“The Purple Heart is an American decoration, the oldest military decoration in the world in present use, and the first American award available to the common soldier,” Nazario explained. “It is a tribute to our active duty military and veterans alike for their faithful service and sacrifice. This proclamation acknowledges what the veterans and citizens of Cortlandt have always said and lived by, ‘That Freedom is not Free.’”
Cortlandt Supervisor Linda Puglisi said she was pleased and delighted when she learned of the town’s recognition.
“I was very, very surprised. It’s a great honor,” Puglisi said.
Later this year, Purple Heart Veterans Chapter 21 is expected to place a memorial in the Cortlandt Town Hall Courtyard, a project that Puglisi and the rest of the Cortlandt Town Board have supported.
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