Cong. Auchincloss Joins Franklin Vets for Purple Heart Day

Above, Franklin Vietnam Vet and Purple Heart recipient Robert Gardner, holding his award and posing with Congressman  Jake Auchincloss Wednesday at the Senior Center.

Wednesday morning, thanks to some advanced planning, the monthly Veteran's Coffee was transformed into an event honoring Purple Heart recipients, living and dead, and their families. Emceed by Veterans Services Officer Shannon Nisbett, living recipients wounded in Vietnam, Korea, and the Second World War were honored along with their familiy members.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss, himself a veteran having served in Afghanistan, delivered brief remarks in which he also mentioned the recipients and their families and thanked them for their service. He noted that the award was originally created by General George Washington before the United State formally existed, before the constitution, and prior to the creation of any real effective national government.

Auchincloss said the award meant much to Washington's struggling, ragtag Army and helped build the morale that ultimately led to victory.

The event also saw a touching performance of "Wind Beneath My Wings" by guitarist/singer Reina Nisbett.

After the formal parts of the program concluded, Auchincloss stayed and chatted with most of the veterans and family members in the room.