Purple Heart Memorial Monument Unveiled in Marietta
Purple Heart recipients Regis Kern, left, and Tom Valentine, right, unveil the new Purple Heart Memorial Monument at Gold Star Park in Marietta Wednesday morning. (Photo by Michelle Dillon)
A crowd gathered in Gold Star Park Wednesday morning to honor recipients of the Purple Heart. The Military Order of the Purple Heart Marietta Chapter 743 held a ceremony to unveil a new Purple Heart Memorial Monument the group installed at Gold Star Park in Marietta.
An honor guard posted the colors to start off the ceremony and then the national anthem was sung by Marietta youth Sam Phelps.
Mayor and County Commissioner Recognize Purple Heart Day
Military Order of the Purple Heart Marietta Chapter 743 Commander Larry Proctor speaks during a ceremony to unveil a new Purple Heart Memorial Monument at Marietta’s Gold Star Park Wednesday morning. (Photo by Michelle Dillon)
Mayor Joshua Schlicher spoke and read a proclamation from the city of Marietta recognizing Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Recognition Day in Marietta. Washington County Commissioner James Booth also spoke and read a similar proclamation from the county.
Heroic Actions Remembered
Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient Jim “Doc” McCloughan, third from left, speaks at a ceremony on Wednesday morning to unveil a new Purple Heart Memorial Monument at Gold Star Park in Marietta. (Photo by Michelle Dillon)
Commander Larry Proctor spoke about the heroic actions of Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient Jim “Doc” McCloughan, highlighting his selfless acts of bravery during the Vietnam War.
A Tribute to Sacrifice
The Military Order of the Purple Heart Marietta Chapter 743 unveiled a Purple Heart Memorial Monument at Gold Star Park in Marietta on Wednesday. (Photo by Michelle Dillon)
Speaking at the event, Jim “Doc” McCloughan shared his experiences in Vietnam, expressing gratitude for those who came to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by Purple Heart recipients.
Personal Reflections and Commemoration
An honor guard performs the posting of colors during a ceremony for the new Purple Heart Memorial Monument at Gold Star Park. (Photo by Michelle Dillon)
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a rifle salute and retirement of colors paid tribute to the sacrifice of Purple Heart recipients. Attendees were invited to a reception following the event at the local VFW Post 5108.
To learn more about the Military Order of the Purple Heart, visit their official website.
Additional Insight:
Purple Heart recipients embody the selfless sacrifice and bravery demonstrated by individuals like Jim “Doc” McCloughan. Their actions serve as a reminder of the immense courage displayed by those who have served in the Armed Forces. Events like the unveiling of the Purple Heart Memorial Monument provide a platform to honor and recognize these individuals, ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten.
