An eight-time Purple Heart recipient and deceased World War II veteran was honored today at a special Veterans Day ceremony in Highland Falls.

The flag at Memorial Park was lowered today in honor of deceased Capt. Robert "Bobbie" Brown.

He served 30 years in the Army during World War II and fought overseas in North Africa, Italy and France.

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As a civilian, Brown worked at West Point and spent the rest of his life in Orange County.

Village Mayor Joe Donofrio describes Capt. Brown as a true hometown hero.  "Eight Purple Hearts, Silver Star and Bronze Star. True hero. We use that word a lot, and there's a lot of heroes today with the pandemic, but we decided he should be honored."

Officials say Capt. Brown was very humble about his service, and it wasn't until recently that they became aware of his heroism.

He died in 1971 after a long battle with cancer.