City of Fall River to host Purple Heart Day Observance, Welcome Home Tribute to PFC Manuel Pacheco

FALL RIVER, MA — The City of Fall River Veterans Services Department invites the entire community to attend the City’s Purple Heart Day Observance and Welcome Home Tribute to United States Army Private First Class Manuel Pacheco on Friday, August 7th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park, near the World War II (Iwo Jima) memorial area.

This solemn citywide observance will honor all Purple Heart recipients and all servicemembers who were wounded or killed in defense of the United States, while placing special focus on the long-overdue recognition of PFC Manuel Pacheco, a Fall River native killed in action during the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

PFC Pacheco served in the United States Army with the 149th Engineer Combat Battalion. On D-Day, he was aboard Landing Craft Infantry LCI(L)-92 as it approached Omaha Beach. The vessel struck an underwater mine and came under enemy artillery fire. PFC Pacheco was among the servicemembers killed during that attack and was listed as missing for generations.

More than 80 years later, PFC Pacheco and fellow servicemembers connected to the loss of LCI(L)-92 were formally honored at Omaha National Cemetery. Members of the Pacheco family will now bring his flag, medals, and story home to Fall River, giving the city an opportunity to stand with his surviving family and honor a son of Fall River whose sacrifice must never be forgotten.

“This is not just another ceremony,” said Talos D. Farris, Director of Veterans Services for the City of Fall River. “This is a moment of responsibility for our city. PFC Manuel Pacheco left Fall River as a young soldier and gave his life on the shores of Normandy. More than eight decades later, his family is bringing his story home. It is our duty to ensure that Fall River says his name, honors his sacrifice, and preserves his memory for future generations.”

The ceremony is expected to include a family escort by the Fall River Police Motorcycle Squad and participating veteran motorcycle organizations, posting of the colors, remarks from city and military officials, recognition of Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families, a reading of PFC Pacheco’s service history, recognition of his flag and medals, wreath presentations, Taps, and other ceremonial honors.

Command Sergeant Major Peter P. Pouliot of the Massachusetts Army National Guard will serve as the featured military speaker. His participation is especially meaningful because of his Army leadership role and his personal connection to the Pacheco family.

As part of the city’s continuing commitment to honor PFC Pacheco, the Department of
Veterans Services is also working with the family on several lasting legacy efforts. These include the planned placement of a memorial bench in his honor at Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park, exploration of a future neighborhood memorial marker connected to the area of the city where PFC Pacheco once lived, and the preparation of a shadow box for the family to preserve his flag, medals, and service history.

The City of Fall River respectfully invites all veterans, Gold Star families, Purple Heart recipients, veteran service organizations, active military personnel, first responders, elected officials, community organizations, students, residents, and veteran community supporters to attend.

Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families are especially encouraged to attend as this is a day to celebrate and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and their families.

Members of the public are asked to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. to allow time for parking, seating, and the ceremonial arrival of the Pacheco family. Additionally, we encourage the general public to make signs Welcoming PFC Pacheco Home and stand along the sidewalks leading to the Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park. City Residents and veterans are also encouraged to wear Purple this Friday as a sign of solidarity and respect for those veterans who have earned the Purple Heart in defense of our Nation.

For additional information, or for Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families seeking reserved seating, please contact the City of Fall River Department of Veterans Services at (508) 324-2432 or veterans@fallriverma.gov.

The City of Fall River asks the community to join together on Purple Heart Day to honor all who were wounded or killed in service to our nation and to welcome home the story, sacrifice, and family of Private First Class Manuel Pacheco.