Hillsborough Township to Hold Annual Purple Heart Ceremony at the Garden of Honor on Sunday, August 7th @ 9 am

Ceremony to be held Rain or Shine

“Hillsborough Township, a Purple Heart Community, will hold the Annual Purple Heart Ceremony on Sunday, August 7th at 9 am at the Garden of Honor on the Grounds of the Municipal Complex,” announced Mayor Shawn Lipani at Tuesday’s Township Committee Meeting.

The 9 am ceremony will be held rain or shine.  Light refreshments will follow the ceremony.    

“It is our honor to host this significant commemoration ceremony in honor of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  All Hillsborough residents are invited to attend the ceremony,” added Mayor Lipani during his remarks at the meeting.

The Purple Heart, the most recognized medal of the armed forces, is awarded to those serving in the armed forces that are wounded or killed while serving in combat.  It was originally introduced by George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit in 1782.  It is the oldest military award given to U.S. military members.

In 2012, a Purple Heart Monument was presented to the Township by Chapter 27, Somerset County Military Order of the Purple Heart, which resides in the Garden of Honor.  In 2014, Hillsborough Township was officially designated as a Purple Heart Community and held the first Purple Heart Ceremony.  The Purple Heart designation was spearheaded by longtime Hillsborough resident, Purple Heart recipient and 2010 Grand Marshal, Ted Dima.  

“Join us on Sunday, August 7th to honor our Purple Heart recipients.  It is important to continue these tributes so the younger generations understand the history of our Nation and the sacrifices of our Military Personnel,” concluded Mayor Lipani.