Each August, Chapter 2212, the Finis J. Self Chapter 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’s service will be held at the Purple Heart Monument in Sparkman Park in Hartselle Saturday, Aug. 10 at 10 a.m.
During the ceremony, the name of each fallen warrior 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 are read by prominent elected officials representing Cullman and Morgan Counties.
In addition to the Purple Heart monument and its list of fallen warriors and Purple Heart recipients there is a Veteran’s Walk open to all veterans. Engraved bricks honor or memorialize the veterans of our country’s armed forces.
The guest speaker for this year’s ceremony will be Brigadier General, USA (R), Robert Stewart, a highly decorated Vietnam helicopter pilot and a former astronaut. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur; Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long; Cullman County Commissioner Kerry Watson; and Hartselle Mayor Randy Garrison will read the names. JROTC cadets from the Priceville High School program will post the colors. Former POW George Mills will conduct the POW/MIA ceremony. Jennifer Eddleman will sing the national anthem and ENell Baker will sing her original song, “Spirit of America.” The American Legion and Patriot Guard motorcyclists, with flags flying, will make their grand arrival, and be present during the ceremony.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart is unique among military fraternal groups. All its members have spilled 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 at 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 at www.mophchapter2212.com.
Names for 2019 Memorial Service by TheCullmanTribune on Scribd
