COVENTRY--A celebration was held in Coventry on Friday after a long fight.
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney and town leaders gathered with community members for the unveiling of the Purple Heart town sign. The sign was erected on Route 44, near the Coventry-Bolton town line.
Coventry got its status as a Purple Heart town last year, but battled with the state for saying a sign could not be put up. The town eventually won that fight.
"It's just a really powerful, important message for people to reflect on as they come through here, and maybe share with your children, explaining to them what a Purple Heart medal means," said Congressman Courtney.
The town was excited to unveil the sign on August 7, which is the 233nd anniversary of the creation of the Purple Heart. It was originally called the Badge of Military Merit, and was created by George Washington to honor those in the Continental Army. Washington wanted the award to be in the form of a purple heart, which is where it gets its modern name.