Brindisi Stands Up for American Heroes, Honors Forgotten Veterans, Purple Heart Recipients and Forgotten Heroes

Statement

Congressman Anthony Brindisi supported legislation remembering key figures in American history. The House of Representatives passed three Brindisi-backed bills honoring past heroes who played important roles in American history.

Brindisi supported the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019, the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act, and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act to ensure proper respect for important moments in American history.

"Our country has a rich history of heroes, innovators, and leaders and we should celebrate them," Brindisi said. "These bills will help ensure these legendary American heroes are not forgotten. Whether it is helping America get to the moon, protecting our freedoms, or those who were wounded fighting for us, it is important to honor those who helped America become the greatest country in the world."

Brindisi supported bipartisan legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the World War Two Merchant Mariners and the four women, Katherine Johnson, Christine Darden, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan, who were integral to the success of the early space program.

Also, Brindisi voted to direct the Department of Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar coins to honor the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Earlier this year, Brindisi honored New York's Purple Heart recipients at a wreath laying ceremony on National Purple Heart Day. New York's 22nd Congressional District was the first district in the nation declared a Purple Heart Congressional District. It is estimated that there have been 1.8 million Purple Hearts awarded.

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