Veterans and their families gathered at the Chenango County Courthouse on Saturday to honor Purple Heart recipients and to hear a reading of a proclamation which identifies Chenango County as a Purple Heart Community. (Screenshot by Zachary Meseck)

NORWICH – Chenango County officials partnered with community members and veterans to host a Silver Star Service Banner Day, which included reading out a proclamation which recognized the county as a Purple Heart Community.

The event was held at 10 a.m. on May 1 at the Chenango County Courthouse.

One of the event's keynote speakers, Purple Heart recipient and current NYS Assemblyman Joseph Angelino spoke about individuals who sacrificed their lives for their county, and why becoming a Purple Heart Community is the least we can do.

“The Purple Heart is a military decoration that every service member is eligible for, but none want to receive,” said Angelino. “It’s awarded to those who stood in the face of the enemy, an enemy that is actively trying to kill them.”

Angelino discussed two veterans who were hit in combat, United States Marine Corps Captain John McKenna and Lance Corporal Michael Glover. He said McKenna sacrificed his life attempting to save someone who had been shot in combat.

“Members of this unit were young men from all over Upstate New York, and John McKenna took these Marines to Iraq in 2006,” he added. “In August of 2006 while leading these Marines on a patrol, they came under intense, accurate, enemy fire.”

Angelino said during the battle, Glover was hit by enemy fire, and McKenna left the safety of cover and attempted to rescue him before being shot by an enemy sniper.

He said McKenna did not survive the encounter.

“It’s the least I can do to honor their memory, to advocate for them, that Chenango County and every county in New York State become a Purple Heart county, and that the entire state become a Purple Heart state,” said Angelino. “Again, it’s the least I can do in their memory, and not only their memory, but the thousands of others who are killed and wounded in the service of our nation.”

“It’s the least anyone can do, and I don’t think it’s too hard of a task to ask.”

Chenango County Veteran Services Officer Joseph Coe, who helped organize the event, and pushed to get Chenango County recognized as a Purple Heart Community, explained how the service came to be.

“Senator Daphne Jordan is trying to designate New York as a Purple Heart state, and we’re happy to show our support,” said Coe. “There are many Purple Heart veterans in Chenango County, and we’re happy to help provide recognition for their service.”

Coe said numerous groups came together to help make the event a success.

These groups included Daughters of the American Revolution, with representatives Trish Kane and Joyce Norris who presented three handmade quilts to Coe, Frank Revoir, Sr. and Terry Bresina, all of whom are Vietnam veterans. Coe said efforts from the Norwich VFW Post 2782 and Norwich American Legion Post 189 were also greatly appreciated.

He said Revoir Sr and Bresina are also Purple Heart recipients.

Those who are interested in following the status of the bill may visit nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S2279 for additional information.