MERRIMACK – Congratulations, Merrimack, on becoming a Purple Heart Community! In November, a group proposed the idea to Town Council, which unanimously supported the project.

As of this month, installation of designation signs now are complete. Becoming a Purple Heart Community pays tribute to U.S. service members who have been injured or killed in combat, and it also is meant to demonstrate the community’s support for veteran-related legislative initiatives.

The Purple Heart is the oldest American military decoration and was created as The Badge of Military Merit (made of purple cloth in the shape of a heart), on Aug. 7, 1782. by General George Washington.

It is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed in action while serving in the Armed Forces. Merrimack joins a growing number of towns across the nation who are paying tribute to those within their town who have selflessly served their country.

In order to be considered for the designation, the town is required to have at least one Purple Heart Veteran in residence of the town.

The signs can be seen near the town lines on DW Highway and Route 101A – four signs in all.