If you are a Purple Heart recipient or you know someone whose memory should be preserved in the new National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli urges you to consider sharing this priceless story.

"As Veteran's Day approaches, it is fitting that we recognize our veterans and active members of the Armed Forces who continue to protect us," said Assemblyman DiNapoli.

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, which is opening Nov. 10 in Vails Gate, NY, is looking for photographs, personal mementos, videotaped interviews or written stories. The site, which is minutes from West Point, will offer visitors an incredible journey through military history and provide veterans with the opportunity to share their powerful stories and reminders of human sacrifice and the cost of freedom.

"I applaud New York State for joining with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the United States Congress, and private sector donors to research and collect the personal histories of American veterans and preserve it in their own words for future generations," DiNapoli said.

The Hall of Honor will be located at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, the location of the final encampment of George Washington's army at the close of the Revolutionary War. In 1782 General Washington chose a select few of his troops to receive a small purple cloth Badge of Merit to honor their service. This badge was the precursor to the Purple Heart Award which was presented in 1932 to 150 veterans of World War I on these same historic grounds.

For more information log on to www.nysparks.com or contact the Hall of Honor by phone at (845) 561-1765 or by fax at (845) 561-6577.

Are you interested in government? If you are in college or graduate school and want to join the 2007 New York State Assembly Intern Program you can contact Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli's District Office for an application.

"The Internship program provides a firsthand look at the legislative process and is a stepping stone for a career in public service or public policy advocacy" said Assemblyman DiNapoli.

The program, which is in its 36th year in existence, offers a stipend of $4,140 for undergraduates and $11,500 for graduate students and provides up to a full semester of academic credit (undergraduate).

The Session Internship Program begins in January and ends in May. Students, majoring in a broad range of disciplines, have the opportunity to participate in state government and the legislative process through a well-structured, practical learning experience. Most colleges grant undergraduate interns a full semester of credit, as recommended by the Regents National Program on Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction.

Students are assigned research and administrative responsibilities and have the opportunity to get involved in state government. Interns complete a comprehensive orientation and a course taught by the Intern Committee's faculty. The Session Internship Class of 2006 was comprised of 130 students representing more than 24 different major courses of study. The Class of 2006 included students from 38 colleges and nearly a dozen countries.

Interested undergraduate students must apply to their colleges according to the deadline established by their institution. All undergraduate applications must be postmarked by Nov. 1. Graduate candidates must apply directly to the Intern Committee by Nov. 1. For additional information log on to http://assembly.state.ny.us:/intership or call Assemblyman DiNapoli's District Office at 482-6966 for an application.