Wareham is one step closer to becoming a Purple Heart community
From left, Joey Still, Judith Whiteside and Sarah Corbitt discuss the Purple Heart Community designation. Photo by Brandy Muz
From left, Joey Still, Judith Whiteside and Sarah Corbitt discuss the Purple Heart Community designation. Photo by Brandy Muz
Wareham could join become one of many towns to become a Purple Heart Community, formally recognizing residents wounded or killed in combat.
Judith Whiteside said at the Tuesday, April 23 Select Board meeting that the proposal originated with the local Veterans Council and has the backing of the Wareham Veterans Day Organization as well as the town’s veterans agent.
“This is something that we can do to honor our veterans,” Whiteside said.
According to Whiteside, at least four recipients of the Purple Heart are known to live in Wareham, with potentially more unaccounted for. Though the Select Board is pushing for the designation, there will need to be work done with the state before any official declarations are completed.
The designation requires a formal proclamation by the Select Board, followed by coordination with a state veterans organization. Whiteside said the process is straightforward and comes at no cost to the town.
“It’s a process, but it is one we can do,” she said. “You put a sign up at the entrance to the town and it says that we are a Purple Heart community.”
Additional steps, such as holding a Purple Heart observance in August or installing commemorative signage, are optional and will be decided at a later date.
