8.7.2026 Purple Heart Day & PFC Manuel Pacheco Tribute

Meeting summary The City of Fall River held a solemn ceremony at Bicentennial Park on Purple Heart Day, August 7th, 2026, to honor all Purple Heart recipients and to provide a special welcome home tribute to United States Army Private First Class Manuel Pacheco. PFC Pacheco, a Fall River native, was killed in action during the D-Day invasion on June 6th, 1944, when his landing craft, LCI-92, struck a mine approaching Omaha Beach. For over 80 years, his family lived without closure as he was listed among the missing. The ceremony brought his story and sacrifice back to his hometown. The event was led by Master of Ceremonies Talos Farris, the Director of Veterans' Services. Speakers included Mayor Paul E. Coogan, who spoke of the multi-generational impact of such a loss, and Command Sergeant Major Peter P. Pouliot of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, who detailed the heroic actions of combat engineers like PFC Pacheco on D-Day. Keith Dumaine, an Army veteran and family member, spoke on behalf of the Pacheco family, expressing gratitude for the city's recognition. The ceremony included a reading of a presidential proclamation for National Purple Heart Day, a wreath presentation, a rifle volley by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 207 Honor Guard, and the playing of Taps by Victor Farias. Director Farris announced that the city is planning permanent memorials to honor PFC Pacheco's sacrifice. These include a neighborhood marker near his childhood home on Hicks Street and a memorial bench at the top of Bicentennial Park. The event concluded with a final tribute, recognizing that while PFC Pacheco's mission ended in Normandy, his story has now returned home to Fall River. Topics discussed Welcome Home Tribute for PFC Manuel PachecoThe city honored Fall River native PFC Manuel Pacheco, who was killed on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and whose story was formally brought home after 80 years. Pacheco Family History of Military ServiceThe extensive military service of the Pacheco family was highlighted, including a brother who was a three-time Purple Heart recipient from Vietnam and another brother lost in the Battle of the Bulge. Presidential Proclamation for National Purple Heart DayA proclamation by President Donald J. Trump for National Purple Heart Day, dated August 6, 2026, was read aloud. Purple Heart Day ObservanceThe ceremony was held on National Purple Heart Day to honor all service members wounded or killed in combat. History of PFC Manuel Pacheco's Service and SacrificeDetails of PFC Pacheco's service with the 149th Engineering Combat Battalion and his death aboard LCI L-92 during the D-Day assault on Omaha Beach were shared. Permanent Memorials for PFC Manuel PachecoThe city announced plans to create a permanent neighborhood marker and dedicate a bench in Bicentennial Park in memory of PFC Pacheco. Ceremonial HonorsA wreath was laid, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 207 Honor Guard performed a rifle volley, and Taps was played to honor the fallen. Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting