New Bedford Officially Designated a ‘Purple Heart City’
NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Just ahead of Memorial Day and in the midst of National Military Appreciation Month, the City of New Bedford has officially been designated a “Purple Heart City,” honoring the military veterans from the city who were wounded or killed in combat.
In his weekly appearance on WBSM Wednesday, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell called it “kind of a no-brainer decision” to become a Purple Heart City.
“A number of people had asked that we join the ranks of cities and towns across America as a Purple Heart City,” Mitchell said. “We were asked by the group that heads that up to join, and we gladly said yes. We made it official, along with city council support, so you’ll see those signs at various entry points into the city.”
“It’s something we wanted to exalt, and now is a good time of year to be doing that,” he said.
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“New Bedford has long exalted those who have worn the uniform. The Purple Heart represents a deeper and more permanent sacrifice. Becoming a Purple Heart City cements our collective gratitude to those who’ve paid an exceptional price in service of our Nation.” — Mayor Jon Mitchell
What Is a Purple Heart?
“The Purple Heart is a decoration awarded to any member of the military who is wounded or killed while serving,” according to a City of New Bedford release. “Its history traces back to the country’s beginnings as George Washington established the honor in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit. It was redesigned and renamed as the Purple Heart in 1932.”
What Does Being a Purple Heart City Mean?
It means not only does New Bedford recognize its Purple Heart recipients, but it is also now part of the Purple Heart Trail, “a symbolic system of roads and highways across the U.S. that honor veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart.”
The Purple Heart Trail is chronicled on the Military Order of the Purple Heart website.
In addition, those who have received a Purple Heart will be further recognized.
“The City offers free metered parking with a valid veteran’s license plate,” the City said in the release. “And all Purple Heart veterans will receive free admission to Buttonwood Park Zoo.”
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Will There Be an Official Purple Heart City Ceremony?
According to the City, New Bedford will mark National Purple Heart Day on August 7, 2025.
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“It was a distinct honor to propose the resolution that has now made the Purple Heart City of New Bedford come to fruition, along with my colleagues on City the Council, advocating veterans, and the city itself. This is a great recognition for the families of Purple Heart recipients of the City of New Bedford. The city has always stood strong together and recognized our veterans. This is just another step in continuing that ultimate recognition of those that served and lost their lives for freedom and our country.” — City Councilor at Large Brian Gomes
New Bedford’s Purple Heart History
“New Bedford is home to a large population of military veterans and has a storied history of honoring its servicemen,” the City said in a release. “Christopher Gomes, the director of the City’s Department of Veterans’ Services, is a Purple Heart recipient.”
New Bedford has multiple monuments and memorials dedicated to veterans throughout the city, from plaques to cannons to tanks. A monument honoring those who served in the Global War on Terror will soon be added to the city’s South End.
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In addition, the Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Military Museum has a large collection of artifacts dedicated to New Bedford’s veterans and others.
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“Our city traditionally honors our residents who have served and continue to serve our nation. It is fitting that New Bedford was named a Purple Heart City. By achieving this, we call attention to all past and present veterans who returned home to family and friends but scarred by war.” — veterans advocate Robert Bromley
Upcoming Memorial Day Events
The City of New Bedford announced the following schedule of Memorial Day weekend observances:
Saturday, May 24
9 a.m. at Rural Cemetery, 149 Dartmouth St.
The Greater New Bedford Civil War Roundtable will conduct its annual Remembrance Service in the Civil War section of the cemetery. The service will include a wreath-laying, presentations of Logan’s Order and the Gettysburg Address, and musical selections.
Sunday, May 25
10 a.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery, 1100 Ashley Blvd.
New Bedford American Legion Post One will conduct a Memorial Day exercise at the Veterans’ plot.
12 p.m. at City Hall, 133 William St.
New Bedford American Legion Post One will conduct a Memorial Day exercise at the Vietnam Veterans’ Honor Roll on the William Street side of the building.
Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day)
8:15 a.m. at Rural Cemetery, 149 Dartmouth St.
New Bedford American Legion Post One will conduct a Memorial Day exercise at the Veterans’ plot.
10 a.m. at Pier 3, 51 MacArthur Dr.
The New Bedford Port Society’s annual Fishermen’s Memorial Day Service will follow a procession from Seaman’s Bethel. In the event of rain, the event will be held inside Seaman’s Bethel.
11:30 a.m. New Bedford Memorial Day Parade
This year’s parade is presented by the City of New Bedford, the Veterans’ Services Department, the City Council, and the Veterans’ Advisory Board.
The parade will form at the intersection of Hathaway Boulevard and Parker Street beginning around 10:30 a.m. before stepping off at 11:30 a.m.
The grand marshal of this year’s parade is Virginia Senna-Davis, a New Bedford native who served nine years in the U.S. Navy followed by a long career in healthcare administration with veterans’ services organizations. She is a fixture at the Disabled American Veterans in New Bedford, where she volunteers assisting veterans and their families navigate the claims process and access benefits.
The parade will march east on Parker Street to County Street, where it will turn left and head north on County Street. The parade will then turn right to head east on Pope Street, where it will make its final turn into Clasky Common Park.
There will be a Memorial Day service at the reviewing stand at the conclusion of the parade. All participants are encouraged to stay and take part in the service, which includes the reading of the Gettysburg Address, Logan’s Orders, and roll call of New Bedford veterans who have passed away. Family and friends of veterans who have passed away are invited to bring a flower to the service and place it at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in remembrance.
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