Amherst to Celebrate Becoming a Purple Heart Community
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Source: amherstma.gov
The Town of Amherst is proud to announce that it has officially become a designated Purple Heart Community, joining more than 100 municipalities in Massachusetts and hundreds more nationwide in recognizing those wounded or killed in combat for their country. The Town of Amherst will be honoring this designation with an official Purple Heart Community Designation Ceremony on Friday, August 14 from 3-4 p.m. on the North Common in front of Town Hall (4 Boltwood Ave.) Rain Location: Town Room on the second floor of Town Hall.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend this special ceremony. The event will include remarks from town officials and community leaders, a proclamation reading, unveiling of the new signs, and recognition of Purple Heart Recipients. Please RSVP to the ceremony here.
Purple Heart Communities are cities and towns that officially dedicate themselves to honoring and remembering local military service members who’ve earned a Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is the nation’s oldest military medal, awarded to U.S. Armed Forces Service members who were wounded or killed in combat. To be declared a Purple Heart Community, a municipality with living or deceased Purple Heart Recipients must issue an official proclamation. In March 2026, the Amherst Town Council passed the “Town of Amherst Proclamation Declaring Amherst a Purple Heart Community” and the Military of the Purple Heart subsequently approved the designation.
In becoming a Purple Heart Community, the Town of Amherst will recognize August 7 as “Purple Heart Day,” and actively encourages all residents and organizations to participate in displaying the American Flag and other public expressions to honor and recognize the devotion of Amherst’s Purple Heart recipients.
Speakers will include:
- Paul Bockelman, Town Manager
- Daniel P. Nye, Director of Central Hampshire Veterans’ Services
- Al Varelas, U.S. Marine, Vietnam Veteran, Military Order of the Purple Heart
- American Legion Post 148 Color Guard
- Amherst Town Council
- Purple Heart Recipients
Image: depositphotos.com