Purple Heart Ceremony to be held Saturday in Crystal River

Originally established by George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is given to honor those combat-wounded men and women who have selflessly sacrificed for their country. The Purple Heart is the oldest award that is still given to members of the U.S. military. On Saturday, February 18th, members of Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 Military Order of the Purple Heart will honor the legacy of the Purple Heart by inviting veterans and the public to their seventh annual Purple Heart Ceremony.

The Ceremony will take place at the Florida National Guard River Armory in Crystal River at 11:00 am. The ceremony will include a tribute to fallen heroes and wounded veterans and Patriot Riders, the Civil Air Patrol, the Young Marines and some JROTC units will participate. There will also be a mural on display which honors 300 Floridians who have sacrificed their lives during the Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns with both their engraved names, and color portraits.

During the ceremony, a wreath will be placed to honor these eight Citrus County soldiers who have died in Action.

• Cpl. Johnathan Taylor, U.S. Marines
• Pfc. Michael Mahr, U.S. Army
• Sgt. Jonathan Peney, U.S. Army
• Sgt. Dennis J. Boles, U.S. Army
• Sgt. Dennis J. Flanagan, U.S. Army
• Cpl. Stanley J. Lapinski, U.S. Army
• Sgt. Robert A. Surber, U.S. Army
• Chief Warrant Officer Aaron A. Weaver, U.S. Army

If you would like any more information on the Purple Heart Ceremony, visit www.citruspurpleheart.org or call 352-382-3847.

We would like to salute the men and women of our armed forces who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Thank you for your service.