Soldiers and veterans honored in ceremony marking Logan County as a Purple Heart County

[November 19, 2015]  LINCOLN - On Tuesday, November 17, 2015, a celebration to declare Logan County as a Purple Heart County was held at the Logan County Courthouse. Logan County Board members were joined by several veteran's organizations and guests.

The ceremony began with Jim Turley playing the Bagpipes as the Color Guard marched in formation across the rotunda. Lesleigh Bennett sang the National Anthem and everyone said the Pledge of Allegiance.

Joe Schaler of the Marine Corps League recognized veterans from several organizations making special mention of Dale Hunter, World War II Veteran and recent Legion award winner. Schaler said the Purple Heart is the nation's oldest military medal, and is awarded to those who are wounded or killed while serving their country.

Schaler thanked Board Chairman Dave Hepler, Logan County Clerk and Recorder Sally Turner, and County Board Administrative Assistant Michelle Barr for their help in drafting the proclamation.

Hepler read the proclamation which thanked those from the community who served this country in the armed forces and who paid a high price for freedom by placing themselves in harm's way.

The proclamation said, "The contributions and sacrifices of men and women from Logan County who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens [and] many men and women in uniform have given their lives to keep Americans safe at home during war time and peaceful times."

The proclamation also noted that many from the community have received the Purple Heart Medal for their courage and bravery while in combat.

The designation of Logan County as a Purple Heart County is a way that "Logan County shows its gratefulness to its veterans, both local and nationwide who have sacrificed so much for Americans."

A flag from the Hayes-Krell Memorial Chapter 159 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart was presented and placed in the rotunda to recognize Logan County as a Purple Heart County and to remind people of the sacrifices made by those serve and defend the freedoms of our country.

Pat Snyder said the benediction thanking God for those who were willing to lay down their lives to provide the freedoms we now enjoy and for the protection of the military who are still defending our country.

The ceremony ended with Jim Turley playing "Amazing Grace" and then John Sutton playing "Taps" to mark a moment of silence for fallen patriots, and the color guard retiring the colors. Schaler said that every day, we need to remember the people who protect our country.

[Angela Reiners]