The Annual Memorial Service sponsored by the Finis J. Self Chapter 2212 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart will held at the Purple Heart Monument in Sparkman Park in Hartselle Sat., Aug. 10, at 10 a.m.

This service honors fallen warriors of Cullman and Morgan Counties. Those being honored were either killed in action or received a Purple Heart for wounds received and passed on later in life.

During the ceremony, each name of the fallen warriors that are inscribed on the monument will be read aloud, accompanied by the sounding of a bell. A small Purple Heart flag will be presented to the next of kin or a friend if they are present. The names will be read by prominent elected officials representing Cullman and Morgan Counties.

In addition to the Purple Heart monument and its list of fallen warriors and Purple Heart recipients, there is a Veteran’s Walk open to all veterans. Engraved bricks honor or memorialize the veterans of our country’s armed forces.

The guest speaker for this year’s ceremony will be Hartselle Mayor Don Hall. Mayor Hall, State Senator Arthur Orr, Representative Ed Henry and Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker will read the names. JROTC cadets from Priceville High School will post the colors. Chaplain (COL USA, Ret) David McGowin will give the opening prayer. Former POW George Mills will conduct the POW/MIA ceremony. SFC Donna Johnson and “The Forget Me Nots,” Bo and Mary Ellen Hartness, will sing patriotic songs. The Patriotic Guard Riders, flags flying, will make their grand arrival and be present during the ceremony.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is unique among military fraternal groups. All of its members have spilt blood or were otherwise injured in combat with an enemy of the United States. This memorial service honors those warriors, past and present, and is open to the public.

For more information about the service, having a Purple Heart recipient’s name inscribed on the monument or purchasing a brick for a veteran, contact the commander, Clifford Gissell, at 256-734-9637 or cib.cmb@att.net.