LAKEVILLE — Following its designation as a Purple Heart Town on July 30, Lakeville plans to install eight commemorative signs across town to honor two local residents who have received the Purple Heart.

Municipalities receive Purple Heart Town designations for showing a commitment to honoring members of the military who have been wounded or killed in combat.

Christine Boone, the Lakeville veterans services officer, said the dedication also serves as a conversation-starter and reminder of the sacrifices veterans have made.

“I have seen the atrocities of what war brings, and I've seen the greatest blessings in that same type of scenario. But the next generation, they're one generation away from never remembering what war was like,” said Boone, who served multiple active-duty roles during her 20-year career in the Air Force.

Boone said seeing about 40 community members in attendance at Old Town Hall for the dedication ceremony exemplified what she is trying to do through the Veterans Service Office — bridge gaps between citizens and veterans.

“Coming out after 20 years, I'm still disconnected from what goes on in the town. There can be feelings like you just don't blend in — and there's not really a place to blend other than if you're with other veterans,” said Boone. “I like the thought of bringing the communities together, so you civilians can listen to the veterans speaking. You can get to know them.”

Towns and cities are awarded Purple Heart Town designations by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization that was founded in 1932 to support members of the military who have received the Purple Heart Medal. Boone submitted an application to the order, and it was accepted earlier this year.

The two Purple Heart recipients’ families wish to remain anonymous.

Boone said the July 30 event had an “amazing showing” with about 40 attendees. Guest speakers Sterling MacLeod, a retired brigadier general who served in the National Guard, and Rodney Dixon, a Veterans Affairs Outreach Task Force representative, spoke at the event.

“It is a way for the community to recognize the sacrifice of our Purple Heart recipients,” said Lakeville Select Board Member Christopher Plonka, who is also the veterans services director and an Air Force veteran.

Boone said the Select Board is now deciding where the eight Purple Heart Town signs will be posted, adding that they should appear on busy streets in Lakeville in the next month. She said she looks forward to hanging the signs and getting people curious about the veteran community.

“If you don't know what that is, you're going to ask the question like, ‘What does it mean to be a Purple Heart Town?’ And then — boom, we're talking about veterans,” said Boone.