Niagara County to Host Purple Heart Ceremony Sunday, August 3

Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski today invited the public to attend the county’s Purple Heart Ceremony next Sunday, August 3 at 1 p.m. at the Niagara County Courthouse in Lockport.  More than 80 individuals will be added to the county’s Purple Heart Book and Monument.   The Purple Heart is awarded to those wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military.  Currently there are more than 400 names in the county’s Purple Heart Book.

Many local dignitaries will be on hand, including guest speaker Don MacSwan, the Town of Wheatfield Supervisor who is a Vietnam War Veteran.  After the event, Mr. MacSwan will be hosting a signing of his book, Doc, A Combat Medic’s Story.  The renowned Tonawanda American Legion Band will be also performing, starting around 12:30 p.m.  The courthouse building will be opened for those who wish to see the displays in the rotunda, including WWI hero Frank Gaffney’s Congressional Medal of Honor and select items from the highly regarded “Secret Weapons of WWII” exhibit.

What:  Niagara County Purple Heart Ceremony
When:  Sunday, August 3, 2023.  Ceremony begins at 1 p.m.
Where:  Front lawn of the Niagara County Courthouse, 175 Hawley Street in Lockport.

There will be handicap parking in the courthouse lot, with additional parking across the street.  Seating will be available for honorees.  Others attending are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

“We hope members of the public will join us for the Purple Heart Ceremony as we preserve the legacy of Niagara County residents wounded or killed fighting for our country so future generations will know of their sacrifice,” said Jastrzemski. 

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