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Al Varelas of the Military Order of the Purple Heart reveals one of the five signs that will greet motorists at entryways to Buckland during a ceremony on Monday declaring Buckland to be a Purple Heart Town. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ
Buckland Selectboard Chair Clint Phillips with his father, Purple Heart recipient Arthur Phillips, at a ceremony on Monday declaring Buckland to be a Purple Heart Town. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ
Episode 3114 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about How Buckland, Massachusetts honors its veterans. . The featured story appeared in The Greenfield Recorder. It is titled: With Purple Heart Town declaration, Buckland expresses ‘utmost admiration’ for veterans.. It was submitted by Madison Schofield.
Schofield reported that In a heartfelt ceremony at Town Hall, Buckland was officially declared a Purple Heart Town, a designation that honors veterans wounded or killed in combat. The event emphasized deep respect and gratitude for those who have served, particularly through the work of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).
Select Board Chair Clint Phillips, whose father is a Vietnam War Purple Heart recipient, led the ceremony, expressing his admiration for veterans and acknowledging both visible and invisible wounds of war. “These soldiers didn’t do it for themselves; they did it for us,” Phillips stated.
The ceremony featured a formal proclamation, the unveiling of five roadside signs marking the town’s new designation, and remarks from local and state officials, including Rep. Natalie Blais. She praised the town’s commitment to honoring military service, calling it “incredibly important to recognize” the sacrifices made by service members.
Central to the process was the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a congressionally chartered organization founded in 1932. MOPH supports Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families and guides towns through the process of becoming Purple Heart Communities. Massachusetts Chapter 875 Commander Al Varelas emphasized the organization’s role in ensuring proper recognition. After a procedural misstep earlier in the year, Buckland worked closely with MOPH to meet the requirements and “do it right.”
Varelas reminded attendees that while the number of Purple Heart recipients may be dwindling—a sign of fewer combat injuries—organizations like MOPH remain vital in preserving their legacy. “It’s an honor to be up here today,” he said. “Welcome to our family.”
Listen to Episode 3114 and discover more about How Buckland, Massachusetts honors its veterans.
