Northborough Becomes Purple Heart Community

Northborough has officially joined effors recognizing Purple Heart recipients.

A Certificate of Acknowledgement plaque "honoring all who made the ultimate sacrifice" was presented to Northborough selectmen Monday night by a group led by Leo David Agnew and Ed Donnelly.

Agnew is the state department commander of the Massachusetts Military Order of the Purple Heart. Donnelly is the group's department inspector.

"This is a wonderful honor for us as a community," Selectmen Chairman Leslie Rutan said.

Agnew said the Purple Heart dates back to 1782, when George Washington designed the Badge of Merit, which was "awarded to officers and non-commissioned officers and a few enlisted men, presented for bravery."

In 1932, an act of Congress changed the honor to the Purple Heart, and designated it for "combat wounded, or those killed in action," Agnew said.

"It's the oldest military award in the history of the military," he said.