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Image by Cpl. Timothy Childers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Each year, August 7th marks Purple Heart Day, and this Sunday, Westwood will celebrate the occasion as a newly designated Purple Heart Town. Westwood recently qualified for the designation due to the honor of having one known, living, Purple Heart recipient – Mr. Richard F. Gibbons - residing in town.
The Town of Westwood will commemorate the day by flying a Purple Heart flag at town hall, together with the American flag.
While the modern Purple Heart recognition officially began in 1932 under General Douglas MacArthur, it was first introduced by General George Washington as the Badge of Merit. It is the oldest American military decoration for military merit.
Purple Heart Day was first observed in 2014. It is an opportunity for the community, and the nation, to reflect upon the courage of the approximately two million Americans who have who have fought and been injured or died for this country.
