Purple Heart memorial service scheduled for Aug. 6
Special to the Enquirer
Each August, the Finis J. Self Chapter 2212 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart sponsors a memorial service to honor the fallen warriors of Cullman and Morgan counties.
Those being honored were either killed in action or received a Purple Heart after being wounded and passed on later in life.
This year, the service will be conducted at the Purple Heart Monument in Sparkman Park in Hartselle Aug. 6 at 10 a.m.
During the ceremony, each name 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: State Sen. Arthur Orr, Rep. Terry Collins, Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long and Cullman County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons.
The guest speaker for this year’s ceremony will be LTC (R) Brian Williams, a native of Decatur, and a graduate of Decatur High School. State Senator Arthur Orr, Rep. Terry Collins, Commissioner Ray Long and Cullman County commissioner Jeff Clemons will read the names. The cadets from the Morgan County School Career Tech JROTC will post the colors. Vietnam veteran Woody Carpenter will supervise the conduct of the POW/MIA ceremony. MSG (R) Donna Johnson will sing the National Anthem and the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and ENell Baker will sing her original song, Spirit of America. The American Legion and Patriot Guard motorcyclists, with flags flying and motors revving, will make their grand arrival, and be present during the ceremony.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart is unique among military fraternal groups. 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.
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, 256-338-5617 or tothemax42@gmail.com. The list of the names to be read, along with information about the chapter and the ceremony can be found on the chapter website www.mophchapter2212.com.
