BUCKLAND, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The town of Buckland has proclaimed to be a Purple Heart Community with a ceremony held on Tuesday. The designation affirms that town leaders recognize those in their community who have given their lives or were wounded in combat defending the country.
The Purple Heart was created by George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, was the first American service award made available to the common soldier. Today. the Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States.