New parking spots for combat-wounded vets

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PROSPECT — There are now parking spots reserved for veterans wounded in combat at Town Hall and the Prospect Senior Center.

The spaces — one each at Town Hall and the senior center — are marked with a sign that reads “reserved combat wounded” and bears the Purple Heart medal, which is given to military members wounded in combat.

The signs are distributed for free by the Omaha, Neb.-based nonprofit Wounded Warriors Family Support.

According to the organization’s website, there are an estimated 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients living in America.

“I just thought it would be another nice way to thank a veteran. That’s why I put those up,” Mayor Robert Chatfield said.

Unlike spaces reserved for handicapped individuals, which can carry a $150 fine if used illegally, Chatfield said there is no fine for parking in a combat veteran space.

“I think it is going to have to be on the honor system,” Chatfield said.