Community Corner

North Hempstead Now a 'Purple Heart Town'

North Hempstead is now “Purple Heart Town,” thanks to a proclamation declared Thursday by North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth (D-Great Neck), Rep Steve Israel (D-Huntington)  and the North Hempstead Town Council.

With this proclamation, North Hempstead joins other towns throughout Long Island and New York that have recognized those who were injured or killed in combat while serving their country.

Bosworth joined with Erle Mutz, Sergeant-at-Arms and Robert Chiappone, Commander, both of the Chapter 417 Military Order of the Purple Heart of Hicksville and dozens of local veterans, at the unveiling ceremony of a “North Hempstead, A Purple Heart Town” sign at Mary Jane Davies Green in Manhasset. The town’s highway department will be placing similar signs at several other North Hempstead locations.

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“The Town of North Hempstead has a proud tradition of military service and many of our residents have earned the Purple Heart Medal as a result of being wounded while serving their country,” Bosworth said. “I hope the sign here near Town Hall and at other locations throughout the Town will serve as a reminder to residents of our veterans’ dedication and service.”

“I know how much our community values military service and honoring the sacrifices made by New York veterans to protect our country and the freedoms we cherish,” Israel sad. “I have made fighting to ensure local veterans receive the benefits they have earned a top priority. We must never forget their service.”

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According to the Military Order Of The Purple Heart Chapter 417 in Hicksville, the goal shared with North Hempstead is to help all the surrounding communities become aware of its “continuing commitment to friends and families of past, present, and future, servicemen and women who selflessly give their best efforts for our security.”

In addition to the unveiling of the Purple Heart plaque Thursday, Bosworth also announced the launch of a Veterans Advisory Committee in order to encourage dialogue between the Town and the veterans’ community and to better serve that valued population.

The committee will consist of veterans who represent various communities across North Hempstead, civic leaders that have been advocates for the veteran community and citizens that have expertise in veterans’ affairs.  Each member of the committee will be a town resident, and will be appointed by the Town Supervisor.  All positions on the advisory committee are volunteer.

Bosworth reached out to more than a dozen veterans groups asking for recommendations.

“Our veterans’ voices need to be heard and it is my hope that an advisory committee dedicated to their issues will assure that we address their needs and the recognition they so rightly deserve,” said Bosworth.

Any veterans interested in serving on the committee please call 311 or 516-869-6311 from outside the town.



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