The Town of Belmont joins more than 900 municipalities, cities, and counties nationwide in recognizing those wounded or killed in combat. Official Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7th, commemorating the day in 1782 when General George Washington commissioned the first Purple Heart Medal, originally called the Badge of Military Merit. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military. Program: Welcoming Remarks: Bob Upton, Belmont Veterans Service Officer National Anthem Claire Boyle Invocation Dr. Donald Choi College Staff at Antioch Baptist Church & TRA- Boston Homeschool Headmaster Town of Belmont Select Board Taylor Yates, Chair Proclamation State Senator William Brownsberger Belmont Veterans Memorial Committee (Ret.) USMC Colonel Michael J. Callanan Featured Speaker CSM (Ret.) Bill Davidson Closing Remarks Bob Upton, Belmont VSO