The Order Of The Purple Heat

To the Editor:

On Labor Day morning September 6, at 9 am, Combat Wounded Veterans will assemble in Newtown under the banner of The Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart organization is made up of combat wounded who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal for wounds received in action fighting for America. Among them are wounded who are unable to march because of their disabilities. They will ride in vintage cars volunteered by prominent citizens.

These veterans will come from one of seven chapters active here in Connecticut. Commander Steve Kupecky leads the State Unit as Commander. His home is in Ellington. His war was Vietnam and he works for the US Postal System. His second is Bill Benson who lives in New Haven and has been in law enforcement. Chapter One Commander John Doherty lives in Derby and is responsible for the appearance of these special veterans in the Labor Day Parade. John has been the drive behind several programs to honor those battle casualties living and dead who share our medal.

This collection of Purple Heart recipients, we hope, will remind us all of the sacrifices made especially today by men and women in the armed forces of our country. We hope that Newtown residents will show them a heartfelt welcome. For those who want to know more about the Purple Heart are invited to check the web page www.ctveterans.org/moph1/home.html. Combat wounded veterans are invited to join us after the parade so that we can fully discuss just who won the wars. Perhaps we can offer light refreshments while discussions are ongoing.

Burke T. Ross, Adjutant

47 Christine Drive, Shelton                                         August 6, 2004