WVU Parkersburg Honors Veterans and Unveils Purple Heart Parking Spot

by Chelsea Ayers

Honor. Courage. Respect. Discipline.

These are words used to describe our military members. As of 2014, there were nearly 22 million veterans in the United States. Veterans Day allows us to celebrate and give thanks to those that chose to serve our country for the greater good.

In a time where so much is going on in our country, having a day like Veterans Day to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country is important. Without our men and woman fighting for our freedom, we would not be the country we are today. Even being able to read this can be considered a freedom. We should take this time to thank those in our lives that chose to fight for the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.

This year WVU Parkersburg Veterans Resource Center is unveiling a Purple Heart parking spot. This will make WVU Parkersburg the first community college in the state to have a Purple Heart parking spot, and makes it the only community college in the state to be recognized as a Purple Heart school.

The Purple Heart is a combat decoration awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S.  who have been wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. It is also issued to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or died from wounds received in combat.

This event will be held Friday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. to honor our student veterans and Purple Heart recipients. A reception will follow in the College Activities Center with light refreshments.