Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

October 27, 2006

For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
Wendy Gibson/Catherine Jimenez
518.486.1868

Opening Of The National Purple Heart Hall Of Honor

MEDIA ADVISORY

November 10, 2006 will mark the official opening and dedication ceremony of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, in New Windsor, New York, only minutes from West Point. The Hall of Honor will be the first in the nation to recognize the hundreds of thousands of Americans wounded or killed in action while serving in the United States Military, and will become the nation's sole repository dedicated to the preservation of these stories of sacrifice.

The newly constructed $6 million Hall of Honor will recognize the brave men and women who have served their country with dignity and distinction. These stories will be preserved and shared through a series of exhibits, live and videotaped interviews with veterans themselves, and the Roll of Honor, an interactive computer program detailing the stories of each individual.

The personal stories of more than 12,000 veterans -- serving during World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan -- have been shared and the Hall continues to receive hundreds of stories each week. More than 2,000 thousand people from around the country are expected to attend the opening ceremonies including Purple Heart recipients and their families, service men and women from across generations and branches of service, and veteran organizations.

The opening day's events include the official dedication of the Hall of Honor, formal military ceremony and displays, performances by the United States Military Academy Band from West Point, the Old Fife and Drum Corps from Washington, DC, and the USO of Metropolitan NY, the premiere of a Purple Heart documentary film, and book signing by author Deborah Tainsh. In addition, military re-enactors will be on site to interpret the history of the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site with other activities to include lectures, children's programs, information displays. The day's events will be held outdoors.

Note: Members of the news media seeking credentials to attend the Opening should contact State Parks' Public Affairs Office at 518.486.1868 no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2006. Credentials will be issued beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the day of event at the Press Check-In Area, located at the lower parking area in front of the Hall of Honor. Signs will be posted to direct members of the press to the designated area. Please plan to arrive by 9:00 a.m. if setting up cameras and other equipment. Special arrangements for parking for microwave trucks must be made in advance.

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