Worcester residents get a prime opportunity later this month to help shape plans for new Purple Heart and Gold Star memorials proposed for Worcester Common.
City officials announced that a public hearing is being planned for June 11 during a meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, where residents, veterans and community stakeholders are invited to review the proposal and provide feedback before a final plan is submitted for approval.
The proposed memorials are intended to honor Purple Heart recipients—members of the military wounded or killed in combat—as well as Gold Star families, who have lost loved ones in military service.
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cemetery jointly host the hearing as part of a broader public process surrounding the project.
“The Department of Health & Human Services and Department of Parks, Recreation, & Cemetery will hold a public hearing to present the proposed memorials and gather community feedback,” Health and Human Services Commissioner Seema Dixit wrote in a memorandum to City Manager Eric Batista.
Following the hearing, city officials said public comments will be reviewed and incorporated into a final plan that will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration.
Batista encouraged residents to participate in the discussion.
“I look forward to reviewing the final plan for the proposed Purple Heart and Gold Star Memorials and encourage all community members to attend and share their feedback to influence the collective vision for these memorials as we honor our wounded and fallen servicemembers,” Batista wrote in his communication to councilors.
The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A at 50 Officer Manny Familia Way.
