DALTON, Mass. — The town has been home to many veterans and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service — a new proclamation honors their service and sacrifice.

 

The Select Board signed a proclamation declaring the town a Purple Heart Community, joining communities across the commonwealth to adopt this as a way to honor their local Purple Heart recipients. 

 

"This designation is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a public affirmation of Dalton's respect, gratitude, and enduring commitment to the men and women who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving in the United States Armed Forces," Historical Commission co-Chair Deborah Kovacs said at the Select Board meeting Monday night. 

 

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration that is still awarded to service members, recognizing their sacrifice, courage, and an unwavering devotion to the nation.

 

The Purple Heart originated on Aug. 7, 1782, when Gen. George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit to recognize enlisted soldiers and noncommissioned officers for exceptional service during the Revolutionary War. 

 

It fell out of use after the war but was revived in 1932 on Washington's 200th birthday under the leadership of Gen. Douglas MacArthur.  

 

Under the revival, it was still awarded for meritorious service or for combat wounds but during World War II this narrowed to service members wounded or killed as a direct or indirect result of enemy action. That wounds-only standard has remained in place ever since.