HADLEY — An Army medic in the Vietnam War who earned a Purple Heart, Hadley resident Bob O’Neil returned home more than 50 years ago with no fanfare or community celebration recognizing his service.

As with fellow resident, veteran and Purple Heart recipient Dennis Fil, who served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam, what they encountered upon getting back was bad feelings from many, including peers who had gone off to college rather than war.

So on Wednesday, at a ceremony as Hadley officially became a Purple Heart community, both O’Neil and Fil said it meant a lot to have their service to the United States honored.

“This is overwhelming,” O’Neil said, as the event held at the Hadley Senior Center came to a close. “It’s nice to see that the men and women who came after us will be recognized. When we got back, there was no recognition.”

Over the years, O’Neil said he’d seen other cities and towns put up the Purple Heart signs and hoped that Hadley would, too.

Fil said most veterans of his era never sought adoration, but he appreciates that now is the time. “This brings some recognition,” Fil said.

By proclaiming its status as a Purple Heart Town, Hadley will annually fly a flag and honor Purple Heart recipients every Aug. 7, as well as all other days of the year through signs posted at all entrances to town. The Purple Heart is a heart-shaped medal awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded, killed, or died while serving.

The formal event featured a Color Guard from the Hadley American Legion Post 271 and a performance of the National Anthem by Eddie Forman and Bob Sawicki.

Central Hampshire Veterans Services Agent Steve Connor called the event a “big day” to announce and proclaim Hadley’s status as a Purple Heart community. National Purple Heart Day marks the Aug. 7, 1782 date when George Washington created the first Purple Heart.

In the coming weeks, the signs to remember the sacrifices and heroism will be put up, said Town Administrator Carolyn Brennan.

Brian Willette, commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, outlined the history and the importance of Purple Hearts for military families, reflecting on how as a young soldier 40 years ago he understood that not all veterans were welcomed back into their communities.

He applauded those veterans in attendance and handed out pins, noting that the military is in good hands. Willette, who was injured in Afghanistan, said that his daughter and son have also served. “Patriotism in this country is not dead,” Willette said.

While the credit for getting the designation goes to former Select Board member Joyce Chunglo, she said she was just acting on behalf of residents who made the appeal to her. “We were happy it get it done,” Chunglo said.

The Rev. Charles Kuzmeski, a Hadley native and retired Catholic priest, thanked the veterans during his invocation. “All of you are important,” Kuzmeski said, adding that honoring the nearly two million Purple Heart recipients who have fought for the nation’s freedom informs the public about the true cost of freedom. He said during his benediction that three things that matter: faith, family and freedom.

Veterans should be celebrated 365 days a year, said state Rep. Daniel Carey, D-Easthampton. “While you hope every community does that, I know Hadley does that.”

Carey cited the recent Legislature passage of the HERO Act, or an Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans, to boost support for all of those have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.

Another veteran present for the ceremony was Helen Baj, 102, who served for 2½ years in the U.S. Navy during World War II and whose late husband, Anthony, served in the Army during that same war, when he earned a Purple Heart.

Prior to the event, Baj showed the medal to Willette.

Baj said she was glad to witness her town celebrating those who fought for the United States and were injured or killed in action. “I think it was really impressive,” Baj said.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.