Family receives Purple Heart in honor of grandfather’s WWII service
By Kelly O’Brien
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SEABROOK, New Hampshire (WMUR) — A Seabrook family now has the Purple Heart that was awarded to their grandfather over 80 years ago after he died fighting in World War II.
The family of Pvt. Daniel Janvrin was awarded the Purple Heart at the American Legion in Seabrook on Monday.
“I think it’s great that he’s getting what he deserved,” said Stanley Saracy, Janvrin’s grandson.
Janvrin was 19 when he died while serving in World War II. How he died is unknown; his family believes he was shot while crossing a river.
Janvrin was buried in France, and his body remained there until a loved one at home asked for it to be returned.
A family friend reached out to their state representative to say they never received a Gold Star pin, and last year, one was presented to his daughter.
“Mrs. Saracy actually passed away about two months after we issued her Gold Star,” said state Rep. Matt Sabourin dit Choiniere, R-Seabrook. “That’s the closure that we were looking for.”
At that meeting, officials learned Janvrin’s Purple Heart was missing. On Monday, the family received a new one.
“The Purple Heart is such a significant designation,” said U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, R-New Hampshire. “We want to make sure that every veteran who is owed one has it.”
His family said this was an important step for them to honor their grandfather and his children, who have waited decades for this.
“For us, at least for me, I feel like this is just bringing everything back home again for validation for our mothers that he was really there, and even though he couldn’t be here in person, he was part of our family,” said granddaughter Sheryl Sullivan.
After Janvrin’s remains were returned to his hometown of Seabrook, he was buried with his parents.
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