Veterans honored at Purple Heart ceremony
For the Enquirer
A crowd assembled at the veterans memorial in Hartselle on Saturday for the annual Purple Heart Memorial hosted by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 2212. The ceremony opened with remarks from Chapter Commander Clifford Gissell, followed by the Morgan County School Career Tech JROTC’s presentation of the colors. The Purple Heart Memorial Service is held each August on the Saturday closest to Aug. 7, that date being the date of record for the first Purple Heart commendation being awarded to an American serviceman in 1782.
An administrative announcement was made directly following opening remarks that the chapter has elected to rename the chapter in honor of Capt. Joe Hooper.
Retired Master Sarg. Donna Johnson sang The Star Spangled Banner, as well as The Battle Hymn of the Republic following the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, both of which were administered by Gissell.
The guest speaker this year was retired Col. Leonard Kiser, an Alabama native veteran with a storied military and law enforcement career.
“Soldiers want to be recognized for their achievement and sacrifice, but few have a desire to obtain a Purple Heart simply because of their relationship to mortality. However, American warriors have always risen to the occasion,” Col. Kiser said.
In addition to his remarks on the Purple Heart, Col. Kiser used a significant portion of his time to honor the life and legacy of Capt. Joe Hooper, who among many other accolades, was one of the three most decorated soldiers in the Vietnam War.
In addition to being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, which is the highest American award of valor in combat, Capt. Hopper was awarded two Silver Stars, six Bronze Stars, eight Purple Hearts and one Combat Infantry Medallion. The number of medals Capt. Hoover received over his career surpasses both Audie Murphy and Alvin York, two of this country’s most celebrated combat heroes.
Col. Kiser’s remarks were followed by reading of the names, honoring those Purple Heart recipients listed at the Hartselle memorial.
“We promised the families of those decorated that we would say their names out loud in order that they not be forgotten, and we intend to keep that promise,” Gissell said.
