Lavonia Supports Purple Heart Proclamation

The City of Lavonia is declaring its support for veterans who have received a Purple Heart.

At their regular city council meeting this week, members heard from Ferris Johnson, Chapter President for Northeast Georgia for the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Chartered by Congress in 1958, The Military Order of the Purple Heart is composed of military men and women who received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat.

Johnson said when he first approached the City Manager Gary Fesperman with the idea, he was told there were no Purple Heart veterans in the City, according the local VFW.

“I’m a native of Lavonia and I have a Purple Heart,” Johnson said. “There are a lot of military men in the area and once the City supports the Purple Heart then all those other organizations, the VFW, American Legion, will come to the ceremony when the proclamation is read.”

Johnson said an effort is now underway to increase support for their group and establish more chapters.  So far only two counties in Georgia have proclaimed themselves Purple Heart Counties.

Ferris said there is no charge to become a Purple Heart County.  After hearing from Johnson, Lavonia Mayor Ralph Owens called for a motion on Johnson’s request.

That vote passed unanimously.  No date has been set for an official reading of the Purple Heart Proclamation.