ARCANUM – The Village of Arcanum held its Third Annual Purple Heart Ceremony with a golf cart parade through town and ending at Veterans Memorial Park at West George Street.
“We started in 2021 with 13 inductees that year and then had nine last year,” said Arcanum Mayor, Bonnie Millard. “This year we have eight and we already have a few for 2024.”
Mayor Millard welcome all in attendance with opening remarks and the Posting of Colors by the Greenville American Legion Honor Guard. The Arcanum High School Band played the National Anthem and God Bless America.
Debbie Nisonger of the Daughters of the American Revolution made a presentation. Special Guest Speaker, 2023 Inductee, Michael Sanders addressed those in attendance.
Induction of the 2023 Purple Heart Recipients: Gary Daugherty, Norman Dickey, Michael Sanders, Wayne Coblentz, John Dispennette, Donald Kincaid, Marvin Kress, Ralph Pound and William Strawser.
The service concluded with a Three-Volley Honor Guard Salute, Taps and Retiring of Colors.
“We held it in the fieldhouse the first year and it was very large there,” Mayor Millard noted. “Then we moved it to the VFW last year on a Saturday and it was extremely hot so we thought this would be apropos here in the Veterans Park to have it this year and it’s been a lovely evening.”