Niagara County to Honor Wounded Veterans at Purple Heart Ceremony Sunday

LOCKPORT, NY – Niagara County will host its annual Purple Heart Ceremony this Sunday, August 3, 2023, at 1 p.m. on the front lawn of the Niagara County Courthouse in Lockport. The solemn event will honor more than 80 individuals who will be officially added to the county’s revered Purple Heart Book and Monument, preserving their legacy of sacrifice.

Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski today extended an invitation to the public to attend the ceremony, which commemorates those wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military. The county’s Purple Heart Book currently holds over 400 names, a testament to the community's profound military history.

“We hope members of the public will join us for the Purple Heart Ceremony as we preserve the legacy of Niagara County residents wounded or killed fighting for our country so future generations will know of their sacrifice,” said Clerk Jastrzemski.

A host of local dignitaries are expected to attend, with Don MacSwan, Town of Wheatfield Supervisor and a Vietnam War Veteran, serving as the guest speaker. Following the ceremony, Mr. MacSwan will be available for a signing of his book, "Doc, A Combat Medic’s Story."

Adding to the commemorative atmosphere, the renowned Tonawanda American Legion Band will perform, starting around 12:30 p.m. The courthouse building itself will also be open to visitors, who can explore displays in the rotunda, including the Congressional Medal of Honor belonging to WWI hero Frank Gaffney, as well as select items from the highly regarded “Secret Weapons of WWII” exhibit.

Event Details:

• What: Niagara County Purple Heart Ceremony

• When: Sunday, August 3, 2023, Ceremony begins at 1 p.m. (Band performance starts at 12:30 p.m)

• Where: Front lawn of the Niagara County Courthouse, 175 Hawley Street, Lockport.

For attendee convenience, handicap parking will be available in the courthouse lot, with additional parking located across the street. Seating will be provided for the honorees, and attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs.

For any questions regarding the ceremony, the public may contact the Niagara County Clerk’s Office at 439-7025 or the Veterans’ Service Agency at 438-4090.