The February 17, 2020 meeting of the James A. Garfield Historical Society was presented by four members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart–Leo Connolly, Jr., Kevin Patterson, Paul Brady, Jerry Banyo–all of whom were veterans of the VietNam conflict and served varying lengths of time in the military;all averred that they would do it all again in defense of the country. Some of them enlisted, one did not receive his recognition until 50 years after the fact (at the behest of Congressman Tim Ryan), one referenced the Big Red One, one, the 25th Infantry Division, one was honored by Gen. Westmoreland in person. They were an impressive group. The Purple Heart originated with Gen. George Washington, was discontinued for a time, was revived by Gen. Douglas McArthur(1932), then became specifically for those wounded in battle(1942). John F. Kennedy was the only U.S. President to have earned a Purple Heart (WWII). The award goes to the next-of-kin of those who die in combat , all of the medals are registered and can be traced–as they occasionally are, to be returned to recipients or their families. The gentlemen passed out their organization’s fund-raising flower, the purple viola (not to be confused with the VFW poppy which began after WWI), which is prominent around Purple Heart Day on August 7. All gave great appreciation and thanks for the support given them by family(especially spouses) and friends. They also touched upon the ravages of PTSD which have devastated so many combat veterans from different times, different conflicts, with different names. The term “servicemen” says it all for this group.
In regular business, the subject of the annual Charles Porter Scholarship came up and the rubric for writing entries will be revised to be presented to Garfield seniors. Winners will be asked to read their essay at a JAGHS meeting. There was discussion of a new wrinkle or two for the Christmas Walk coming up this year. The managing committee will be investigating possibilities. There was an announcement of the availability of the dismantled Garrettsville freight station for purchase. The Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary is seeking significant places for location of “selfie spots” linked to Garrettsville history, to be available during SummerFest. A donation will be going to the Purple Heart organization.
