In the September 9, 2021, issue of Newport This Week, Middletown was recognized on August 16, 2021, as becoming a Purple Heart Town.
The following quotes are from that article.
“The Middletown Town Council unanimously approved a resolution on Aug. 16 declaring the town a “Purple Heart” community, making it one of only nine in the state.”
“ ‘I think it’s great any time we can recognize any veteran, especially ones who receive Purple Hearts,’ said Paul Rodrigues, council president.“
Being designated a Purple Heart Town signifies a community’s commitment to recognizing and supporting its veterans, particularly those who have received the Purple Heart. It’s a way to show appreciation for their service.
Middletown became a Purple Heart Town to honor and recognize the combat-wounded veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In addition to other dedicated Veterans’ Memorials in town, Pottsy Field was dedicated to the memory of SSGT Christopher Potts. It is a dedicated veteran’s memorial and should remain so.
Yet in October 2024, a short 3 years after being designated a “Purple Heart Town,” the Town signed a development agreement with a developer to pave over that area with a 144 room hotel, a bank with a drive thru, shops, and 150 luxury apartments.
So what changed in those 3 years? What made us go from a “Purple Heart Town” to a “Green Dollar Sign For Sale Town”? Something must have or I doubt this would be happening.
As a military community, I expect better from our town leadership. But, I guess we no longer keep our promises to honor and recognize our veterans, especially those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Something for all of us to think about this Memorial Day week.
Jo-Ann Thornton, Middletown
