Cambridge Honors Those Who Were Wounded or Died in Service to Our Country on National Purple Heart Day

Each year on August 7, Americans pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. The Purple Heart is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who has been wounded or died as a result of a wound in battle. We now celebrate Purple Heart Day on the anniversary of its inception, August 7.

Cambridge Veterans' Services and various City and State Officials held a special ceremony in honor of National Purple Heart Day on Wednesday, August 7, in the Sullivan Chamber of Cambridge City Hall. Speakers included Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons, Cambridge Deputy City Manager Owen O'Riordan, and Deputy Director of Cambridge Veterans' Services Cynthia Harris. During the ceremony, City officials, speaking on behalf of the City of Cambridge, offered their deepest gratitude and heartfelt respect to those who sacrificed much in service to their country.

This year, many States, Counties, and Cities and Towns across the nation who have proclaimed themselves as Purple Heart communities will pause in recognition of the service and sacrifice of their local sons and daughters. Their commemoration of Purple Heart Day will be a reminder to all Americans that there is a price for the freedoms we enjoy, and honor is due to those who gave their all-in defense of those freedoms.

As of today, over 750 American communities including Cambridge and other cities in Massachusetts have become Purple Heart Cities or Towns. A complete list can be found on the Military Order of the Purple Heart national Website at www.purpleheart.org.

The organization known as the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc. (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active-duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Programs of the MOPH include VA Volunteer Service, First Responder Recognition, JROTC Leadership Award, Scholarships, Americanism, Purple Heart Trail and Cities, and numerous community service programs, all with the objective of service to Veterans and their families.

For Cambridge residents interested in further supporting veterans and their families locally, the City of Cambridge is seeking members for the Cambridge Veterans Advisory Committee:

Members Sought for Cambridge Veterans Advisory Committee

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking members to serve on the Advisory Committee for the city’s Department of Veterans Services (DVS). According to City Ordinance 2.42 that established this committee, the membership will include geographical representation from throughout the City of Cambridge and representation from organizations, including City of Cambridge departments, that shall be in a position to be of service to veterans.

What is the role of the Veterans Advisory Committee?
The Advisory Committee will support the Department of Veterans Service in fulfilling part of its purpose to:

• Assist in providing information to persons who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, and their families concerning their rights and privileges under federal, state, and local laws;
• Assist veterans in preparing for new entrepreneurial, employment, training and retraining opportunities for further education or employment;
• Encourage and support outreach and participation to veterans from underserved populations to include the Center for Minority Veteran, Women Veterans Network, etc.
• Liaise on behalf of the Department of Veterans Services with local businesses and organizations;
• Keep informed as to the programs or facilities of any organizations, whether public or private, of service to or of interest to veterans and their families.

Learn more here

Photo: Cambridge City Officials, including Mayor E. Denise Simmons, Cambridge Deputy City Manager Owen O'Riordan, and Deputy Director of Cambridge Veterans' Services Cynthia Harris, along with other elected officials, Veterans Services staff, and guests at the National Purple Heart Ceremony at Cambridge City Hall on August 7, 2024.