Harrison officials paid tribute to the town’s Purple Heart recipients Friday outside its municipal building.

A once bare wall outside the building now bears a granite plaque recognizing service members, dead and alive, who earned a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat.

Korean War veteran Ben Defonce has two Purple Hearts. He's lucky to be alive after being wounded three times in battle.

"When you pass by this, you going to say to yourself, ‘Thank God for our men who gave so much’… Freedom isn't free," he said.

Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont said he was proud of the sacrifice made by the courageous heroes from his town.

Harrison plans to honor all its Purple Heart recipients at a special service on Memorial Day. Five Purple Heart recipients currently call Harrison home.