An annual memorial service sponsored by the Finis J. Self Chapter 2212 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart will be held Saturday.

According to a chapter spokesperson, each August, the chapter sponsors a memorial service to honor the fallen warriors of Cullman and Morgan counties. Those being honored were either killed in action or received the Purple Heart after being wounded and passed on later in life.

The memorial service will be conducted at the Purple Heart Monument at Sparkman Park in Hartselle Aug. 4 at 10 a.m.  

During the ceremony, the name of each fallen warrior inscribed on the monument will be read aloud, accompanied by the sounding of a bell. A small Purple Heart flag is presented to the next of kin or a friend, if they are present.

Guest speaker for this year’s ceremony will be retired Brigadier Gen. Les Fuller.

Prominent elected officials representing Cullman and Morgan counties read the names of the fallen. State Sen. Arthur Orr, State Rep. Terri Collins, Chairman of the Cullman County Commission Kenneth Walker and Cullman City Council President Garlan Gudger will read the names.

JROTC cadets from Priceville High School will post the colors. Former POW George Mills will conduct the POW/MIA ceremony.

Master Sgt. Donna Johnson will sing the National Anthem and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic. ENell Baker will sing her original song, “Spirit of America.”

The American Legion and Patriot Guard motorcyclists, with flags flying, will make their grand arrival and be present during the ceremony.

In addition to the Purple Heart monument and its list of fallen warriors and Purple Heart recipients, there is a Veteran’s Walk open to all veterans. Engraved bricks honor or memorialize the veterans of the United States’ armed forces.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is unique among military fraternal groups. All its members have spilled blood or were otherwise injured in combat with an enemy of the United States. This memorial service honors those warriors, past and present.

For more information about the service, having a Purple Heart recipient’s name inscribed on the monument or purchasing a brick for a veteran, contact chapter commander Clifford Gissell at 256-338-5617 or tothemax42@gmail.com. The list of the names to be read, along with information about the chapter and the ceremony, can be found on the chapter website, www.mophchapter2212.com.