Summerdale proclaimed a Purple Heart Community

By Jessica Vaughn / jessica@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 11/15/17

SUMMERDALE – During the Nov. 13 Summerdale council meeting, after being asked by veteran Ed Evans, Mayor David Wilson signed a proclamation naming the town of Summerdale a Purple Heart Community …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get the gift of local news. All subscriptions 50% off for a limited time!

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

Summerdale proclaimed a Purple Heart Community

Posted

SUMMERDALE – During the Nov. 13 Summerdale council meeting, after being asked by veteran Ed Evans, Mayor David Wilson signed a proclamation naming the town of Summerdale a Purple Heart Community before the town held a program in honor of veterans everywhere.

“Mr. Evans has asked the Town of Summerdale to adopt a proclamation for the Purple Heart, and I am very honored that he asked us to join this,” said Wilson. “There are very honorable people here tonight who have served our community and our nation.”

Evans, along with fellow veterans from all branches, presented Wilson with a proclamation for the town, which Wilson shared with the audience.

“… Whereas the mission of the military awarding the Purple Heart … is to foster an environment of goodwill among combat wounded veterans and their families, to promote patriotism, support legislative initiative and most importantly, make sure we never, never forget,” Wilson read. “Whereas Baldwin County, Alabama has a large veteran population and is the home to a number of Purple Heart recipients, and whereas the Town of Summerdale has a great admiration for the men and women who have selflessly served our country and acknowledges our veterans who have paid the highest price of freedom by leaving their families and communities behind and placing their own lives in harm’s way for the good of all.”

Along with the proclamation itself, Summerdale also received Purple Heart signs welcoming all who drive into town.

“Mr. Evans brought us some signs, and we’re going to have these mounted for when you come into Summerdale,” Wilson said. “They say ‘Welcome to our Purple Heart Community.’ This is to let you guys remember what these men and women went through to give us the freedom we have. Thank you all so much for doing this.”

The program for the veterans began with a video in remembrance of Veterans’ Day and how it came to be, and also included a slideshow of photos of local veterans. The photos had been given to the town prior to the celebration, and Summerdale welcomes anyone with photos of veterans to drop them off by town hall for next year’s celebration.

The musical group Four a Change performed the National Anthem, and the youth choir from Robertsdale Assembly of God Church put on a performance full of costumes and songs in honor of veterans from each branch. Afterwards, every veteran or active servicemember was given the opportunity to stand and introduce themselves, letting everyone know how they served their country.

The Summerdale Museum and Archives, located at 300 East Jackson Street, also announced a display up now for everyone to see.

“Included in the museum are all the men and women who have served and are from Summerdale and the surrounding areas,” said councilmember Norma Giles. “They’ve duplicated the photos of our veterans, which are on display there.”

Currently there are over 150 photos on display in the museum for viewing.

The town hopes everyone will be on the lookout for the new signs proclaiming Summerdale as a Purple Heart Community, and honoring veterans everywhere.