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Be forever thankful for their sacrifices

Citrus County Chronicle - 2/15/2017

THE?ISSUE:

Twelfth Annual Purple Heart Ceremony.

OUR?OPINION:

A time for remembering and honoring.

"Hold deep inside a fervent pride for all who gave, the brave who died.

"True patriots, they faced their call to keep our nation strong for all."

- by Roger Robicheau

This year marks the 12th Purple Heart ceremony hosted by the combat wounded veterans of Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 Military Order of the Purple Heart.

The chapter originally initiated the annual ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of Gen. George Washington's birth given that the Purple Heart traces its linage to the Badge of Military Merit, which Gen. Washington created in 1782 to recognize the common soldier.

For 150 years, the Badge of Military Merit was lost to history until 1932 when it was rediscovered and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Douglas MacArthur directed it be redesigned and re-designated as the Purple Heart in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of General Washington's birth.

Exclusively awarded to those combatants killed in action, died of wounds or wounded in action from an enemy instrument of war, recipients of the Purple Heart have bravely risked their lives with "some giving all, and all giving some" on the field of battle.

As in past years, this solemn but uplifting patriotic ceremony honors our county's fallen heroes and wounded warriors so that their battlefield sacrifices in defense of our cherished freedoms are never forgotten.

The magnitude of their sacrifices will be reflected upon by the ceremony's guest speaker, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Linda J. Pugsley.

Having an informed vantage point from serving as an Air Force air evacuation nurse during the Vietnam War and later as a military chaplain, she offers an inspirational perspective of those who bear the scars of battle.

While the ceremony enjoys the faithful support of our county's public officials, community leaders, veterans' community and local residents, one part of our community is conspicuous by its absence - our youth.

If our community is to neither forget not take for granted the service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice or endured wounds on the battlefield, it is imperative that their example of selfless service to our country be passed to each succeeding generation.

Therefore, it is hoped that more young people and youth groups will follow the lead of Lecanto High School's International Baccalaureate students who attended last year's ceremony in strength and plan to do so this year.

The proud legacy of selfless sacrifice was earned by recipients of the Purple Heart who answered our nation's call to duty.

Citrus Countians, both young and old, are likewise encouraged to answer the call to join with Chapter 776 in remembering and honoring those who fell and those who bled in battle.

HONORING

HEROES

n WHAT: Twelfth Annual Purple Heart Ceremony

n WHERE: Citrus County Fairgrounds Auditorium, Inverness

n WHEN: 11 a.m., Saturday, February 18

CITRUS COUNTY'S

FALLEN:

CW2 Aaron A. Weaver, USA

CW2 Randy L. Billings, USA

Sgt. Dennis J. Boles, USA

Sgt. Dennis J. Flanagan, USA

Sgt. Jonathan K. Peney, USA