Springfield, MA – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined with Veterans Services’ Director Joe DeCaro, and members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), including National Chief of Staff for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Massachusetts Brian Willette for the Presentation of Ten Purple Heart City Signs to the City of Springfield. This presentation is in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Springfield being designated as a Purple Heart City by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, of the USA.
Also in attendance were State Representative Carlos Gonzalez, and State Senator Jake Oliveira.
This ceremony featured veteran speakers who highlighted the history of the Purple Heart Medal, America's oldest combat decoration. Speakers also touched on the Purple Heart medals connection to, and commemoration of the 83rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
In 2014, Mayor Sarno and the Springfield City Council approved and issued a proclamation declaring the City of Springfield a “Purple Heart City”. The Purple Heart community program is part of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Trail program. This National program designates communities, roadways, bridges, monuments, memorials, and other landmarks as part of the Purple Heart Trail, which along with appropriate signage provides a visual reminder to all who pass that others have paid a high price to live and move about a free Nation. Freedom is not free.
Mayor Sarno states, “Springfield has a proud history and tradition dating back to the founding of our nation of supporting and honoring our veterans. It is because of the service and sacrifice of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, and their families, America stands as the greatest nation in the world – the beacon of democracy, strength, opportunity and hope. We are proud to be recognized as a Purple Heart City and to honor those who have fought and sacrificed for our freedoms. Thank you to our Veterans’ Services Director Joseph DeCaro and the Veterans’ Services team as well as Brian Willette and the Military Order of the Purple Heart for their efforts to organize this special commemoration. May God continue to bless our service men and women and their families, our Nation and our City of Springfield.”
