Special group is organizing locally

We were both surprised and touched with a recent message notifying us about a local chapter meeting of The Military Order of the Purple Heart.

There are hundreds of veterans today who have never been awarded their Purple Hearts. Our message also told of a Searcy resident who was awarded his Purple Heart in1985, some 40 years later. The Military Order of Purple Heart was directly responsible for him receiving the long overdue medal.

There are many combat wounded veterans within this part of the state, but the nearest Purple Heart Chapter is in Little Rock or Russellville.

Now, several local Purple Heart recipients are trying to organize a local chapter. The major objective of this service organization is to work in the interest of these veterans toward the care and assistance of fellow combat wounded and their families.

Because of confidentiality, there is no way to obtain a list of these veterans to contact them individually.

There will be a local chapter meeting on Tuesday, June 18, at 7 p.m. This meeting will be at 411 North Spruce Street, Searcy. Persons can obtain further information by calling Larry Robinson, the local veterans officer, at 279-6210 or Kenneth Hodges at 279-7680.

The purpose is to recognize all Purple Heart recipients, and a local chapter can help get the information to these veterans regarding many of the services they are entitled to, but may not know about.

A bit of background we found interesting: The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in the world in present use and the first award made available to a common soldier. It was created by one of the world's most famed and best-loved heroes, General George Washington.

The Order of the Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.

The organization now known as the Military Order of the Purple Heart was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, it is the only strictly combat organization in existence.

We are glad to see the chapter organizing locally.

We wish them well, and we thank all veterans for their service