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Purple Heart Day recognized
Purple Heart Day recognized
Veterans salute the Purple Hearts arrayed on the sign outside the VA Clinic bearing the names of the four Liberty County soldiers killed in the Vietnam War. Photo provided

A ceremony to honor Purple Heart Day was held at the John Gibson/ Dan James/William Sapp/ Frankie Smiley VA Clinic in Hinesville on Friday, August 7.

State Rep. Al Williams, who represents House District 168 and is a Vietnam War veteran was the guest speaker.

After an opening prayer by Vietnam veteran and local pastor Donald Cormier, symbolic replicas of the Purple Heart medal were placed at the VA Clinic sign denoting the names of the heroes the VA Clinic was named for.

Symbolic Purple Heart medals were placed this year for the first time for Medal of Honor/Purple Heart recipients from 3rd Infantry Division, Paul Smith and Alwyn Cashe.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 789 of Hinesville members and associate members were participants in the ceremony. A special participant was Cathy Lyons, sister of Wiliam Sapp, who placed the symbolic Purple Heart with her brother’s name on it.

After a final salute, a closing prayer was said.