HARTSELLE, Ala. – Each August, Chapter 2212, the Finis J. Self Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, sponsors a memorial service at Sparkman Park in Hartselle to honor the fallen warriors of Cullman and Morgan counties. Those being honored were “members of the Armed Forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.”
The 2021 Purple Heart Memorial Service featured guest speakers and local dignitaries who called the roll of the 147 Purple Heart recipients from World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. As each serviceman’s name was called, a bell solemnly tolled and attending family members were presented a Purple Heart flag memento.
The annual event began with American flags flying as motorcyclists entered the parade field, each proudly bearing the flag they fought for on their bikes.
The Memorial Park features a wall and brick walkway with inscribed names of Purple Heart recipients provided by their families and friends. These memorial bricks are available for any military veteran. A newly placed statue of a kneeling soldier and the insignia flags flying around the monument honor all service personnel, past and present.
Cullman resident Clifford Gissell, Commander of Post 2212, conducted the ceremony, which ended with the playing of the military’s moving “Taps.”
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