Waltham veteran to represent Massachusetts in National Purple Heart Tribute

U.S. Army Sgt. Wayne Henry of Waltham has been selected to represent Massachusetts in the 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project, a national tribute honoring America’s combat-wounded veterans.

Henry, a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, will join fellow honorees from across the country for the multiday event, scheduled for April 27 through May 1 in New York. The project, organized by the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, celebrates the courage and continued service of Purple Heart recipients.

“Wayne and his fellow Patriot Project honorees represent the best of the best our country has to offer,” said Jeremy McVey, chairman of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. “They answered the nation’s call and then kept on serving.”

Henry was drafted into the Army in October 1967 and served 19 months, including a tour in Vietnam with the 70th Engineering Battalion. He was wounded during fighting in Lac Thien, South Vietnam, when a mortar round struck his unit. In addition to his Purple Heart, Henry earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with two overseas bars.

“It means more now than it did when I was in,” Henry said of his service. “I’m proud to have served my country when called upon.”

The Purple Heart Patriot Project brings recipients together for visits to historic sites, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and the 9/11 Memorial. Organizers say the experience offers both healing and long overdue recognition for many veterans.

“These missions recognize the sacrifices made by our Purple Heart recipients and honor those who never made it home,” said retired Col. Russell O. Vernon, the mission’s executive director. “We look forward to honoring Wayne for his courage and service, both during combat operations and in the years since returning home.”

Henry remains active in veterans’ organizations across Massachusetts, serving in leadership roles with the Military Order of the Purple Heart’s state department and Chapter 875 in Springfield, as well as VFW Post 10334 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 45, both in Waltham.

He and his wife are the parents of three children.

More information about the National Purple Heart Honor Mission and the Purple Heart Patriot Project is available at purpleheartmission.org.