Murphy – It takes a selfless person to put oneself at risk or be willing to die for another. Just such local folks were honored on Nov. 10 during a private ceremony at the L&N Depot.
The gathering was to pay special tribute to the 62 Purple Heart recipients in Cherokee County. To be awarded a Purple Heart, one must have been wounded or killed by enemy action while serving in the U.S. military.
Cherokee County was initially proclaimed a Purple Heart County on Feb. 3, 2014, which was re-established on Nov. 10. There were no Purple Heart signs posted leading into the county, so Cherokee County Veterans Services – with the help of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners – were able to obtain those signs.
About 30 people came to the ceremony, which was open to the veterans and their spouses.
“The event was a huge success. Rick (Millett) and I absolutely love what we do day in and day out, assisting veterans on a daily basis and celebrating them in any way we can,” Cherokee County Veterans Services Director Danna Pash said.