Annual Purple Heart memorial service remembers local heroes

HARTSELLE, Ala. – On Saturday, Aug. 10, Chapter 2212, the Joe Hooper, Medal of Honor, Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart hosted its annual memorial service to honor fallen warriors of Cullman and Morgan counties. The ceremony, held at the Purple Heart Monument in Sparkman Park in Hartselle, was marked by the patriotic presence of American Legion and Patriot Guard motorcyclists standing at attention with flags. The event was presided over by chapter Commander Clifford Gissell.

With the national anthem opening the ceremony, Commander Clifford turned it over to Purple Heart recipient Woody Carpenter as he guided attendees through the solemn POW/MIA ceremony, explaining the significance of the symbolic artifacts on the table.

“I call to your attention to the small table that occupies a place of dignity and honor to our front. It is set for one, symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from our rounds. They are referred to as the POW and MIAs, we call them comrades,” Carpenter reflected, drawing attention to the lone, white table.

The ceremony featured MSG Donna Johnson (retired), who delivered a stirring rendition of the national anthem and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and ENell Baker, who performed her original song, “Spirit of America,” which includes a verse dedicated specifically to the Purple Heart.

Guest speaker Col. Leonard Kiser (retired) provided a detailed history of the Purple Heart medal, tracing its origins to the Badge of Military Merit introduced by General George Washington during the American Revolution. The Badge of Military Merit was to be used to recognize the heroic action of Washington’s troops during the American Revolution. With only three to ever have been known to be issued, the Badge of Military Merit would be forgotten for 150 years.

“The award was lost in time after the revolution and was not awarded again until 1932 when it was reintroduced to the Army forces by General Douglas MacArthur and made retroactive to World War I. General MacArthur was the first recipient of the award,” Kiser explained.

Without official records of the total number of Purple Hearts awarded to date, Kiser highlighted the significance of the honor by sharing estimated unofficial figures, noting that over 2 million U.S. servicemembers have received the distinction.

Kiser also highlighted the remarkable legacy of Chapter 2212’s namesake, Joe Hooper. Hooper was the recipient of the Medal of Honor while serving as an Army sergeant. He was also the recipient of the Purple Heart eight times, having sustained eight wounds in combat. Hooper would finish his career as captain and as one of the nation’s most decorated soldiers. Hooper’s extraordinary service and dedication to his country were a central theme of the ceremony.

The ceremony then transitioned to the reading of the names of the fallen warriors from Cullman and Morgan counties. Kiser, along with Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur; Morgan County Commission Chairman  Ray Long; and Cullman County Commissioner Kelly Duke, took turns reading the names aloud. Each name was followed by the solemn toll of a bell, and a small Purple Heart flag was presented to the next of kin or a friend of the honored individual.

As the final name was read and the bell’s echoes faded into silence, “Taps” was played to close the ceremony. Families were then invited to spend time at the memorial, reflecting on the lives and sacrifices of their loved ones.

The Purple Heart Monument, located at Sparkman Park in Hartselle (Gauge Day)

Gissell further reflected on the importance of the memorial ceremony, saying, “When we started this chapter, we had made a promise to the next of kin who had put their loved ones names on the monument as well as the chapter members who have their name on the monument, we made a promise that we would read the names of the deceased.”

He continued, “I believe you perpetuate the memory of people if their names are said, especially within a family. If that gets passed down from generation to generation, it perpetuates the memory of those people within your family. Saying their names aloud has some meaning.”

The annual memorial service stands as an important reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served and have since passed away, ensuring their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of their families and the community.