Tilton joins ranks of Purple Heart communities, fundraising for road signs

TILTON — The town will now be recognized as a Purple Heart Community. The honor became official on June 18, at the town’s selectboard meeting.

Tilton is the 32nd town in New Hampshire to be recognized as a Purple Heart Community, and the third in recent memory in the Lakes Region: Belmont became one in August 2025, and Franklin in May 2024.

“Especially this year, because it’s the 250th anniversary of our country, it’s important to recognize the serious accomplishments, and the trials and tribulations that veterans have gone through to keep this country free,” said Scott Hilliard, town administrator. “I come from a family of veterans, so I’m very proud.”

Town leaders earned this honor with help from the New Hampshire Veterans Home.

“This is a wonderful way to recognize those who have served and those who sacrificed their lives for our independence,” said Sarah Stanley, public information officer of the NH Veterans Home. “To recognize them is the least we can do.”

The New Hampshire Veterans Home is the only veterans home in the Granite State, where over 150 veterans live. Stanley, as well as the rest of the staff, are “honored,” she said, to be a part of establishing this honor for the Town of Tilton.

“As Tilton becomes a Purple Heart Community, we are proud to stand alongside our residents, local leaders, and veterans in acknowledging the courage of those who were wounded or gave their lives in defense of our country,” said Kim McKay, Veterans Home commandant. “We are grateful to call Tilton our home, and to share in this meaningful milestone.”

Since 1957, The Purple Hearts Foundation has honored those who served in the U.S. military, recognized those who died for America’s independence, and provided resources to veterans who require assistance.

To be recognized as a Purple Heart Community, a town or city must obtain and sign a proclamation to establish the honor, by working with local chapters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. At the signing of the proclamation, the town must recognize their residents who have received a Purple Heart medal. A Purple Heart is given to those who were wounded, or posthumously to those killed, in combat. The medal was created by Gen. George Washington in 1782.

The Purple Heart Community proclamation was read at the meeting June 18, where Tilton Purple Heart recipients and residents of the New Hampshire Veterans Home were recognized.

Now, Tilton leaders are raising funds to put up five Purple Heart Community signs: one at each town line, and one at the New Hampshire Veterans Home. Each sign costs $150. At the selectboard meeting, Selectboard Chair Patricia Consentino made the first contribution.

“We are honoring our veterans and their families in a visible and permanent way,” Consentino said.

Donations can be sent to the Town of Tilton. For more information, visit tiltonnh.org. Proceeds raised beyond the needed amount will go to the NH Veterans Home.

“I’m very thankful for anything that anybody can do for our veterans,” Hilliard said.