Guilderland designated as a Purple Heart Town

GUILDERLAND, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Following the sign designating Albany County as a Purple Heart County, the town of Guilderland has become designated as a Purple Heart Town. This is a part of the network of other towns, counties, and highways that comprise the Purple Heart Trail.

The town will unveil road signs on November 8 at 10 a.m. showing the town's new designation. There will also be reserved parking signs for Purple Heart recipients and family members at the Guilderland Town Hall, Guilderland Senior Center, and Tawasentha Park.

The Purple Heart is a combat decoration as well as the oldest military medal in the nation. General George Washington was the first person to receive this honor in 1782 and it was known then as the Badge of Military Merit.

Town Clerk Lynne Buchanan said, "The purpose of the Purple Heart Trail is to create
a symbolic and honorary system of Towns, counties, and highways that pay tribute to the men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal and are a visual reminder to those who use the road system that others have paid a high price for their freedom to travel and live in a free society.”