Purple Heart Communities

What "Purple Heart Community / Purple Heart City / Purple Heart Town" Means

A “Purple Heart Community” is a city, town, or municipality that has formally adopted a resolution or proclamation showing honor and respect for U.S. military service members who have been wounded or killed in action (i.e. Purple Heart recipients). The designation is granted by the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH). To receive it, a municipality typically:

• Has to have (past or present) Purple Heart recipients among its residents.

• Officially proclaim or pass a resolution recognizing those recipients and committing to remembering them (e.g. through public signs, observances on Purple Heart Day, etc.).

• Sometimes participate in the Purple Heart Trail (roads/signs honoring those who received the Purple Heart).

• Often offer some symbolic or practical benefits — for example recognition, dedicated signage, or veteran-friendly policies.

It’s an honorary recognition, not a service program per se, but it reflects community respect, support, and acknowledgment of sacrifices made by veterans.

Examples in Massachusetts

Here are some towns and cities in Massachusetts that are or have become Purple Heart Communities, and some of what they've done:

New Bedford, MA

Officially designated a “Purple Heart City.”
Some of their actions: placing signs at entry points into the city; free metered parking for veterans with a valid veteran’s plate; free admission for Purple Heart veterans to the Buttonwood Park Zoo. 

Medway, MA

The town held a ceremony (on Veterans Day) where a proclamation was read naming Medway a Purple Heart Town. Medway

Belmont, MA

Recognized in 2016 as a Purple Heart Community by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Belmont publicly observes Purple Heart Day (August 7) and has a Veterans Services Officer responsible for administering related programs. 

Somerville, MA

Also designated a Purple Heart Community. Somerville’s city council passed a resolution, and the city observes National Purple Heart Day, holds ceremonies, raises the Purple Heart flag, etc. City of Somerville

Melrose, MA

Has earned the designation as a Purple Heart City. The designation is given by the state Military Order of the Purple Heart as a thank you to veterans and a reminder to the community of the sacrifices servicemen and women have made. Melrose has multiple monuments to their veterans including the new Gold Star memorial at their Knoll.

Marblehead, MA

The town voted unanimously to become a Purple Heart Town and install signs at entryways. They also got recognition as part of the Purple Heart Trail.

Nahant, MA

Recently designated, with a ceremony and signage at entrances and at Veteran’s Memorial Park, also banners featuring local Purple Heart recipients.

North Attleborough, MA

Recognized via a town resolution; they put up signage (sign on a main road) to mark the town as a Purple Heart Community. North Star Reporter

Hanover, MA

Select Board adopted a proclamation designating Hanover as a Purple Heart Community. Hanover

Cambridge, MA.

Holds a ceremony on National Purple Heart Day (August 7) in the Sullivan Chamber of Cambridge City Hall. City officials including the mayor and veterans services staff offer recognition of combat-wounded veterans and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. City of Cambridge

On Veterans Day (November 11) Cambridge conducts a Veterans Appreciation Week with a Veterans Day observance at Cambridge Cemetery, followed by a Town Hall event including a Purple Heart recognition ceremony, slideshows of WWI history, and wellness/social activities for veterans. City of Cambridge+1

• The city has established a Veterans Advisory Committee under the Department of Veterans Services, aimed at outreach to veterans and their families (including Purple Heart recipients) and assisting with benefits, employment/training, and liaison to community resources.

• Waltham, MA. Was designated as a Purple Heart City in April of 2015

• Boston MA, which includes West Roxbury is also a Purple Heart City. They support veterans through events and programs focused on benefits like housing, healthcare, and employment recognizing their sacrifice and service. 

What Communities Do / What To Expect

Once designated, here’s what these Purple Heart towns/cities often implement or plan:

• Place signs at town/city entrance points that say “Purple Heart City” or “Purple Heart Town” to publicly recognize the honor.

• Host an annual ceremony on National Purple Heart Day (August 7) to honor medal recipients. 

• Public proclamations, raising Purple Heart flags, official acknowledgements in town government meetings.

• Some towns offer small perks (like free or reduced fees for Purple Heart recipients) or symbolic gestures. E.g. free or special parking, admission to certain town facilities or events. (New Bedford is an example where the city offers free metered parking for Purple Heart veterans and zoo admission.)