Those service men and women who earn the Purple Heart are a truly unique group as each one has seen combat action, as the medal is only awarded to those who have been wounded or killed in action.
This past Saturday evening members of the Mississippi Order of the Purple Heart gathered at Honeysuckle Hall, at Lake Tiak O’Khata, for a banquet to honor its members and for a time of fellowship.
State Commander Truitt Breazeale stated that the banquet is a statewide convention, with about 30 members expected to attend from different chapters around the state.
The ceremony began with the posting of colors by the Neshoba Central High School Naval JROTC, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.
The guest speaker for the evening was Robert Crear U.S. Army Brigadier General, Ret. Crear, a Vicksburg native, received his commission as a lieutenant through the Jackson State University ROTC program.
Crear stated that even though he is not a Purple Heart recipient, he was honored to be gathered with this unique group as they have been on the front lines fighting for the freedoms that we hold dear. Crear also spoke of the great sacrifice made by families as well as those who serve.
He spoke of the great opportunities that have been afforded him through military service. After receiving his commission he served at every level including platoon and battalion leader, and divisional commander, Chief of Staff of the Corps of Engineers in Washington, DC, and in the Pentagon as the military assistant to the civilian director of the Corps of Engineers.
Crear stated that it is an amazing thought that he grew up in Vicksburg during the Jim Crow era, and one day returned to command the Vicksburg District of the Corps, and added that it was one of his mother’s proudest moments. Crear was the first native Mississippian and the first African-American to command the district.
Those gathered were treated to an excellent meal followed by the awarding of flags that have flown over the U.S. Capitol. A number of plaques were awarded to individuals, as well. The banquet concluded with the awarding of door prizes; tickets had been purchased prior to the event to help fund the organization.
