DANVERS — Residents, local officials, and Purple Heart recipients gathered at the Village Training Grounds on Wednesday evening to celebrate Danvers becoming a “Purple Heart Town”.
Danvers joined the over 900 communities across the nation that have proclaimed themselves Purple Heart Communities to express gratitude and preserve the memory of military personnel who have been wounded or killed in combat. The proclamation on Aug. 7 coincided with National Purple Heart Day, the same day that Gen. George Washington originally created the merit back in 1782.
“Tonight, we officially declare Danvers a Purple Heart community, and honor the sacrifices made by our nation’s Purple Heart recipients,” said Dennis Palazzo, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran and local health inspector. “Because of their sacrifices, these brave men and women face challenges that you and I can only imagine. and some never made it home.”
The evening began with an invocation from Rev. Michael J. Doyle, of the Danvers Catholic Collaborative, followed by a performance of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” by Anne and Joan Farmer.
Select Board Chair Daniel Bennett delivered the Purple Heart Community Proclamation, which thanked purple heart recipients within Danvers and beyond, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
“The people of the town of Danvers have great admiration and utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served their country, this community, and the armed forces for the good of all,” Bennett said. “The contributions and sacrifices made by the men and women from Danvers who served in harm’s way in the armed forces, have been vital in maintaining the freedom and the way of life enjoyed by our citizens.”
State Sen. Joan Lovely presented the citation, which extended congratulations from the House of Representatives and Senate to the town for its decision to honor Purple Heart veterans.
Boy Scout Troop 58 performed a flag-raising ceremony, adding a new Purple Heart Flag below the American flag that reads “Honoring America’s Combat Wounded Veterans”.
Thanks to Clint Allen from the town’s electrical division, a light was installed below the flagpole so that the flags would remain illuminated. Additionally, the Danvers DPW installed Purple Heart signs to ensure that the message is as visible as possible.
“Ladies and gentlemen, freedom is not free — it comes at a cost,” Palazzo said. “Those costs are the sacrifices and challenges Purple Heart recipients endure every day. Some gave all, but all gave some.”
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202