8.7.2026 Purple Heart Day & PFC Manuel Pacheco Tribute

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.

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