Niagara County Celebrates Purple Heart Day

Niagara County Joseph A. Jastrzemski today led a ceremony at the Niagara County Courthouse in Lockport in honor of National Purple Heart Day.  Niagara County Legislator Dave Godfrey and Town of Wheatfield Supervisor Don MacSwan raised the Purple Heart Flag and members of the Gates Pipe & Drum band performed.

The Purple Heart is awarded to those wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military.

“We are very proud to stand here and honor the more than 400 Niagara County residents who have earned the Purple Heart award defending our country and our freedoms,” said Jastrzemski.  “These men and women, and all those across the country who have received a Purple Heart, have our deepest appreciation.”

Both Godfrey and MacSwan are Vietnam Veterans.  MacSwan, a Purple Heart recipient, wrote a book on his experience, Doc, A Combat Medic’s Story.  Godfrey spearheaded the effort the build the Purple Heart Monument and courtyard at the county courthouse. 

Jastrzemski said Niagara County continues to add names of residents to the monument and Purple Heart Book of Honor that is on display in the rotunda of the courthouse.  This year, 18 more names will be added.  If you know a Purple Heart veteran, alive or deceased, the county encourages you to come forward.  There is a short application to fill out that can be found at www.niagaracounty.gov/purpleheart.

Those with questions can call the Clerk’s Office at 439-7025 or the Veteran’s Service Agency at 438-4090.