Photo By Lance Cpl. Francisco Abundes | Members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart place a wreath at the Purple Heart...... read more read more
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PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - A ceremony to honor service members who have received the Purple Heart took place Monday at the Peatross Parade Deck.
The Lowcountry’s Colonel Jimmie Leach Memorial Chapter of The Military Order of the Purple Heart spearheaded the ceremony and planned it to coincide with National Purple Heart Recognition Day, Aug. 7.
“The recognition day and the ceremony are in place to remember those that were wounded or killed in battle,” said Tom Latendresse, senior vice commander for the local MOPH chapter. “The ceremony honors all those who have ever earned a Purple Heart.”
The ceremony started with a color guard from Naval Hospital Beaufort presenting the national ensign and Navy flag, which was followed by the posting of the National Purple Heart flag.
“The flag is used to represent the unity of combat wounded veterans from past and present conflicts,” said Glenn Blackburn, former commander of the chapter.
Col. Benjamin Blankenship, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island operations officer, followed with a speech.
“We’re truly honored and humbled to have you come out here today,” Blankenship said, speaking to the veterans.
Members of the chapter, wounded combat veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, laid a wreath at the Purple Heart Memorial.
After the laying of the wreath a moment of silence followed, while a chapel bell was slowly rung. Afterward a bugler played taps.
“This ceremony serves to remind us all of the sacrifices that have been made by service members,” Blackburn said. “Especially those who have been in harm’s way and been wounded or killed.”
At the end of the ceremony, after the colors had been retired, Sgt. Maj. Dwayne Farr, Headquarters and Service Battalion sergeant major, played his rendition of “Amazing Grace” on the bag pipes.
“This ceremony not only recognizes those service members who have been wounded or killed in combat but also the valor and fidelity of all service members,” Latendresse said.
| Date Taken: | 08.07.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2011 11:54 |
| Story ID: | 75249 |
| Location: | PARRIS ISLAND, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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