Purple Heart Community Designation Ceremony Held
On Saturday, August 8, the town of Hamilton was filled with activity. The Second Saturday event was in full swing, but across the street on the steps of the Court House a very special event was taking place. Chairs were filled and people stood along the street to see this special activity.
Submitted to the Journal
On Saturday, August 8, the town of Hamilton was filled with activity. The Second Saturday event was in full swing, but across the street on the steps of the Court House a very special event was taking place. Chairs were filled and people stood along the street to see this special activity.
The special event was the Harris County Purple Heart Community Dedication Ceremony. Veterans and Purple Heart recipients were seated with family surrounding them.
Harris County is now a Purple Heart Community. This designation recognizes Harris County’s commitment to honoring Purple Heart recipients, veterans, and military families through remembrance, support, and patriotism.
According to information provided at the event:
“The Purple Heart is the United States military’s oldest decoration, originally established by George Washington. Yet, it is the one medal no service member ever sets out to earn.
“On National Purple Heart Day, we pause to honor the combat-wounded veterans who bear the physical and invisible scars of their commitment, and we solemnly remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation.
“To the women in our sisterhood who carry the weight of this badge and to the families of the fallen, your resilience and sacrifice form the bedrock of our freedoms.”
With numerous speakers from veteran’s originations addressing those attending, Rep. Vance Smith summarized the day with his remarks:
“Thank you to the VFW, American Legion and Hamilton City Manager Rhett Wade for bringing this meaningful event together. It was wonderful to see such a great crowd come out to honor our nation’s heroes. He shared his gratitude for our veterans and for the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is because of their service and sacrifice that we have the freedoms we enjoy today — including the freedom to gather as a community, as we did today.
“This is personal for me. My dad, Vance Smith, Sr., served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II, and I thank the Lord that he came home.
“I’m proud that Harris County and the cities of Hamilton and Pine Mountain have all joined in recognizing and honoring Purple Heart recipients and their sacrifices.
“May we never forget the price that has been paid for our freedom.”
The day ended with photos of Purple Hearts recipients and family members.
Thanks to the Columbus Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and to the leaders of Harris County, the city of Hamilton, American Legion Post 189, and Cataula VFW Post 10558 for designating these organizations as Purple Heart communities.
Additional photos are available at the following web site: Purple Heart Event 2026 HC – SmugMug Site Organizer
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