HARTSELLE, Ala. – The Finis J. Self Chapter 2212 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart will host its annual memorial service to honor the fallen warriors of Cullman and Morgan counties on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 10 a.m. at the Purple Heart Monument in Sparkman Park in Hartselle.
This ceremony honors those who were either killed in action or received a Purple Heart after being wounded and passed on later in life. The names of the fallen warriors inscribed on the monument will be read aloud by prominent elected officials from Cullman and Morgan counties, 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 at the memorial service.
The guest speaker for this year’s ceremony will be Col. Leonard Kiser (retired). Other notable participants include Hartselle Mayor Randy Garrison; Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur; Cullman County Commissioner Kelly Duke; and Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long. The memorial will also feature the Morgan County School Career Tech JROTC posting the colors, Vietnam veteran Woody Carpenter supervising the conduction of the POW/MIA ceremony, MSG Donna Johnson (retired) singing the national anthem and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and ENell Baker performing her original song, “Spirit of America.” The American Legion and Patriot Guard motorcyclists will also make a grand arrival with American flags flying and engines roaring.
For more information about the service, inscribing a Purple Heart recipient’s name on the monument or purchasing a brick for a veteran, contact Commander Clifford Gissell at 256-338-5617 or tothemax42@gmail.com.
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