By Julie Marrinucci
Hometown Weekly Correspondent
Armistice or Remembrance Day, on May 16th of this year, was apropos for the events taking place at American Legion, George B. Preston Post 209 in Dover, MA.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the town’s Memorial Day Committee, Legion members, relatives, and friends came together to celebrate Dover’s designation as an official Purple Heart Community. Glenn Blackburn, a Dover resident, Vietnam veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, was invited, with his wife Ellie and daughter Lindsey, as a special guest of honor.
A “Purple Heart Community” is a city, town, or municipality that has formally adopted a resolution or proclamation showing honor and respect for U.S. military service members who have been wounded or killed in action. The town will also receive and display a banner recognizing it as such.
“Each Purple Heart tells the story of bravery; each one reminds us of the human cost of defending our freedoms. Each one calls us to honor, remember, and support those who have borne the battle,” explained Michael Blanchard, Dover Town Administrator.
“Today we recognize Glenn Blackburn, a Dover resident whose courage and sacrifice reflect the ideals this day represents. Glenn’s service stands as a testament to duty, resilience and love of country. His commitment reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy are safeguarded by individuals willing to risk everything.”
Blackburn is one of at least 3 known Purple Heart recipients in Dover. He was also awarded the Silver Star for his bravery in combat in Vietnam in 1967 “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade’,” according to his biography published on militarytimes.com.
The biography explains how the Platoon was pinned down by heavy enemy fire when Private Blackburn moved to locate enemy positions, and sustained a serious shoulder injury. Refusing evacuation, he continued fighting under intense fire to rescue two wounded Marines. While bringing one Marine to safety, he was wounded again and unable to continue.
“By his inspiring courage, unwavering determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger,” his biography reads, “Private Blackburn upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.”
Ellie and Glenn Blackburn will celebrate their 41st anniversary this year. “I grew up in Dover and we got married here in my Dad’s backyard,” Ellie explained. “This town means a lot to me, so the designation as a Purple Heart Community is so special to us, but it’s also so important for all the veterans in town … It’s important for them to get this recognition.”
Dover will recognize August 7th annually as Purple Heart Day, and encourage the residents and businesses of the town to “display the American Flag as well as other public expressions of recognition of our Purple Heart recipients,” per the official proclamation.
