Woburn Becomes Purple Heart Community

Woburn recently became just one of four communities across Massachusetts to become a “Purple Heart” city following an invitation from the National Order of the Purple Heart.

On National Purple Heart Day, which fell on August 7, many veterans and residents of Woburn turned out to hear Mayor Scott Galvin announce the news. A memorial plaque to commemorate the honor was placed at the small island at Winn and Main Streets.

Woburn’s veterans service officer, Larry Guiseppe, is a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient. Giuseppe, along with City Alderman Richard Gately, backed the effort. Their work helped Woburn become a Purple Heart city as they swayed the City Council to vote in favor of the designation. 

The Purple Heart, originally known as the Badge of Military Merit was presented to soldiers in 1782 by General George Washington for their bodily sacrifice of being wounded in action while engaged in combat.

“The support for veterans in the City of Woburn continues to be unprecedented this is another great honor bestowed upon Woburn veterans and their families, especially those recipients of the Purple Heart,” Woburn’s Veterans’ Serrvices Office said in a statement.

Woburn is home to nearly 300 veterans who were killed serving the United States.