Honoring fallen warriors

By Staff
Ceremony remembers late Purple Heart recipients
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
A heightened sense of American patriotism was evident in Hartselle on Saturday as more than 150 members of veterans organizations, family members and elected officials gathered at the Purple Heart Memorial to pay tribute to deceased Purple Heart recipients from Morgan and Cullman counties.
The audience watched and listened reverently as the names of 100 honorees were read, after which a bell was sounded. A purple flower, which was displayed in a corsage, was presented to each surviving family member in attendance.
"One of the most important things we can do as American citizens is to remember our fallen warriors," said key speaker Col. William T. Crosby, U.S. Army DPEO-Aviation, Redstone Arsenal. "We must not forget that freedom is not free. It comes from sacrifices made by others in its defense."
The 28-year Army veteran also noted that the current generation of warriors, the men and women who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, are no different from those who preceded them.
"They have answered the call to fight for their country. They understand this is a struggle we must win. Unfortunately, what doesn't get reported in the media is that we're experiencing some of the highest re-enlistment rates in our history during wartime. This tells me they feel like they are making a difference. This doesn't get reported in the media, either," he pointed out.
"If you love this nation, thank our soldiers. Tell them you appreciate their sacrifice and you care about them. That's my challenge to you."
State Representative Bill Dukes was joined by Rep. Ronald Grantland and Cullman County Commission chairman Wiley Kitchens in the reading of the names of the Purple Heart honorees.
"It's a great honor for me to be here and I commend the veterans organizations and citizens of Hartselle for working together to make sure that our fallen warriors are not forgotten," Dukes stated. "Let us never forget that as long as we keep our faith in God and are willing to fight for our country, we will remain free."