The Needham Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2498 is honoring Needham’s Purple Heart recipients with a ceremony on Thursday, August 7th, National Purple Heart Day. The observance will begin at 7 pm at Memorial Park with the raising of the Purple Heart Standard on the flagpole where it will remain for the next three days. This will be followed by a reading of the names of all Needham residents who received the Purple Heart. The Fallen Brave Memorial lists over 84 names, beginning with the First World War. All are welcome to attend.
The Purple Heart medal is the oldest U.S. military decoration; General George Washington awarded the first purple-colored heart-shaped badges to soldiers who fought in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. It is now awarded to servicemen and women who were wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States or because of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed force.
The Select Board has proclaimed August 7, 2025 as Purple Heart Day in Needham and encourages residents and businesses to display the American Flag and recognize the Purple Heart recipients on that day, honoring the service and sacrifice of our military personnel.
