Purple Heart Memorial to be built at park

By Staff
Leada DeVaney, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle will soon be home to a Purple Heart Memorial, one of only four such monuments in the state.
Members of the Finis J. Self Military Order of the Purple Heart are selling bricks to surround the monument, which will be constructed at Sparkman Park.
"There's nothing in Alabama like this," Purple Heart Commander George Mann said.
The monument will contain the names of Purple Heart recipients and will be surrounded by stones inscribed with the names of all of America's wars. Any Purple Heart recipient can be listed on the monument no matter where they live; as long as they can provide proof they received the medal.
The monument will be made of Georgia black granite and the surrounding stones of Montana red granite.
Surrounding this will be a pathway of bricks. The bricks can be inscribed with messages or memorials for veterans.
There are two size bricks on sale: 8 inches by 8 inches and 4 inches by 8 inches. The larger size is available for $65; the smaller for $35.
Behind the memorial will be six flags: one American flag and flags from each branch of service. Local veteran's groups are providing the flag poles.
Councilman Dick Carter said he welcomes the memorial and is excited the groups chose Hartselle.
"The city of Hartselle is behind this 100 percent," Carter said.
Purple Heart organizers said they would hold a program every Aug. 7 at the monument to honor deceased medal recipients.
If you are interested in purchasing a brick, call Mann at 734-1947.