Purple Heart
WESTFIELD—The Purple Heart Trail project is still looking for donations and Purple Heart recipients.
The project, which is a combined effort from Ward 4 Councilor Mary O’Connell and Westfield and US Marine veteran Don Wieglus, will place Purple Heart Trail signage on approximately 10 miles of roadways through Westfield south to Southwick and will include both Pleasant Street and Broad Street,
Wieglus noted that there has been over $2,000 raised so far and said that the project, which was initially expected to cost around $3,000, may cost closer to $5,000.
Ward 4 councilor Mary O’Connell
“It would be wonderful if we could collect another $1,500 or $2,000, which would put us over the limit,” O’Connell said. “If there’s any excess we will do two things–we will probably buy some extra signs and then what we’re really hoping to do is to put in a drinking fountain down in Parker Memorial Park on West Silver Street.”
O’Connell said that Parker Memorial Park used to have a drinking fountain but it needs to be replaced.
They are expecting to purchase at least 25 signs and poles, with the excess signs being there in case of damage or loss.
The project has already been OK’ed by Westfield Police chief John Camerota, superintendent of public works Dave Billips, the Westfield city council and Mayor Brian Sullivan.
The project is being funded solely by donations, with no money coming from grants or other pools of money in the state or city governments.
Wielgus said that for those who donate their names will be placed on a plaque that will be installed in city hall at the official start of the construction portion of the project. If those who donate would prefer to remain anonymous, they can request that their names not be divulged when the project is done.
Don Wielgus
There are over 1 million Purple Heart recipients in the US as of June 2010, and the Purple Heart Trail honors them in 45 states, as well as Guam.
If anyone would like to donate, wants to be recognized as a Purple Heart recipient, or want to do either action in honor of a friend or family member, they can contact O’Connell at (413)218-4344 or [email protected], or Wielgus at (413)568-7767 or [email protected].
Donation can be made out to the American Legion 454, Post Office Box 367, Westfield,MA 01085.
