By Greg Elwell
Staff Writer
EDMOND — While many will spend today at parades, cookouts and picnics, members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart are hoping to celebrate freedom and those who fought and paid a price for it.
The Oklahoma City area chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart met Tuesday night at Mitch Park to dedicate a monument to the state's Purple Heart recipients.
A crowd of about 200 gathered to pay respect to Oklahoma's combat-wounded veterans and listen to Medal of Honor recipient Roger Donlon.
"Gatherings like this are becoming more and more important. They give us the opportunity to bring in the rest of the community,” he said. "The casualties of war are not limited to the battlefield.”
Donlon said it is time for people to focus on the courageous and give that spirit to the next generation.
Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, said she's proud the monument is in Oklahoma.
"This is a fitting tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed in their service,” she said. "We will remember their legacy with this lasting monument.”
About 20 Purple Heart recipients attended, including Military Order of the Purple Heart National Vice Commander Henry Cook, who said those who served already know what others need to learn.
"This is something that makes us remember and won't let others forget,” he said. "Don't let anyone forget what veterans have done.”
Edmond Mayor Dan O'Neil said the placement of the monument is fitting because Mitch Park is named for John Mitch, the second mayor of Edmond and a combat-wounded veteran of the Civil War.
The $7,000 monument was paid for by the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the city's Visual Arts Commission.
The Purple Heart was originally instituted by Gen. George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit in the Revolutionary War. During World War II, Gen. Douglas MacArthur reinstated the award as the Purple Heart.
Retired Lance Cpl. Ron Barnes said fewer Americans know about the Purple Heart now, and the monument might spread awareness.
"I think it can't hurt,” he said. "I noticed the other day three or four people on the jogging trail who stopped to read the inscription.
"Maybe this will build some interest and remind people of the meaning of what our troops are fighting for.”
