BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE
SAUGUS — A portion of the Northern Strand Community Trail will be dedicated as a Purple Heart Community Trail to honor veterans.
Last spring, Saugus was designated a Purple Heart Community by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. More than a dozen Purple Heart recipients live in Saugus, said Pedro Brito, veteran service officer for Saugus, Melrose and Wakefield.
“To me, personally, the sign is a sign,” said Brito. “It’s great to be designated, but it’s the feeling in the community that’s the brains of the whole thing. It’s about having recognition for these individuals.”
Most of the recipients are Korean and Vietnam War veterans, while others served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the president to those wounded or killed while serving in the military.
More than 85 cities and towns statewide have received the designation. Each community finds its own way to recognize the honor. Some raise a Purple Heart flag, update signs to include the awards symbol or designate roads in recognition.
The Northern Strand Community Trail, also known as the Bike to the Sea Trail, is a 10-mile path that connects Lynn, Revere, Saugus, Everett and Malden, along the former Boston & Maine Railroad.
At Wednesday night’s meeting, the Board of Selectmen approved Brito’s request for signs to be hung on a section of the trail between Adams Avenue and School Street. He also requested the 12-by-18-inch signs at five town entrances.
“It’s a great tribute to the community and our values and our commitment to honor our soldiers and the families that have sacrificed,” said Town Manager Scott Crabtree.
Debra Panetta, chairwoman, said she is proud that Saugus has received the designation and was pleased with Brito’s plans.
The signs along the trail will be dedicated during a ceremony on Aug. 7, when designated communities observe Purple Heart Day. The dedication will begin at 1 p.m. Brito said he will have a Purple Heart recipient living in town speak about its significance.
“The ceremony itself is so that people know that there are people here who have gone overseas, who have been wounded in defense of their country,” he said. “It’s something to bring the community together and show a little more appreciation to those people who have gone that extra mile.”
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.