Duluth Honors Purple Heart Recipients

American Legion Riders from Chattahoochee Post 251 in Duluth presented a moving “Salute to Fallen Heroes” on the Town Green Saturday during the city’s Memorial Day service.

Riders arrived on motorcycles and revved their engines in the paver parking lot adjacent to the green. They dismounted and solemnly marched onto the green followed by five of their own carrying a rifle, a combat helmet and dog tags, a pair of military-issue boots, a flag, and a wreath, which they placed on a display stand in front of the Festival Stage.

American Legion Post 251 Commander Bob Carpenter contributed a roll of barbed wire. Duluth City Clerk Teresa Lynn laid a white rose of remembrance in honor of her brother-in-law David Duncan, who was killed in Vietnam, on the stand. Gracy Lynn Fanning added a small, white teddy bear representing the families and children left behind by American soldiers killed in wars and conflicts. The salute ended with the riders joining in a circle of comradeship then walking out in pairs with their arms around each other's shoulders.

The service began with Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris welcoming attendees. Julia Hall sang the National Anthem following presentation of colors by the Duluth High School Navy Jr. ROTC. Mayor Harris proclaimed May 28 Purple Heart Day. Then she and District 1 Gwinnett County Commissioner Shirley Lasseter gave framed copies of the proclamation to Carpenter; Bill Stockell, past commander of the Georgia Military Order of the Purple Heart; and Charles Wessinger, Georgia American Legion National Executive Committeeman and past state American Legion commander.

Harris and Lasseter proceeded to present commemorative coins to Purple Heart recipients. The coins were commissioned by the city and American Legion Post 251. The Purple Heart is awarded to American soldiers wounded in combat. 

The list of Purple Heart recipients included:

• Wayne Ballard, U.S. Army, Vietnam veteran.
• Robert Carpenter, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• Anthony L. Cerreta, U.S. Navy, World War II.
• Dan Fields, U.S. Marines, Vietnam.
• Buddy Gault, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• Edwin Johnson, U.S. Marines, Korea.
• Jim McGraw, no information available.
• Ryan McPherson, U.S. Army, Iraq.
• Karl Oroz, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• John Moore, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• Steven Riggs, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• Jack Robinson, U.S. Marines, Korea.
• William Stockell, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• John Sweeney, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• Billy Whitesell, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• Walker Williams, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• Earl Zerbach, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• John McDonagh, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• Jim Randles, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
• Bob Humphrey, U.S. Army, Korea.
• Not in attendance and to be mailed their coins are Jay Chastain, U.S. Army, Vietnam; Kenneth Norris, U.S. Army, Vietnam; and Rick Rayta, no information available.

“Today, we are honoring veterans who bled” and soldiers “who put on their uniforms, did their duty and didn’t return,” said U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall (R-GA) in his keynote address. He noted that “21 young men from this (Seventh) District have given their lives for our freedom since 2005.” The name of the latest, Lance Cpl. Ryan Giese, a Marine killed in Afghanistan, is being added to Gwinnett County’s Fallen Heroes Memorial in a ceremony Monday (May 30). 

The congressman urged Americans to support returning veterans. “We have a brand new generation of men and women coming home that we need to stand behind,” he said. He invited veterans and their families “to come knock on my door” if they need help.

Members of American Legion Post 127 in Buford delivered a 21-gun salute, and J.L. (Jerry) Robb and Darrell Edwards played Echo TAPS. 

A book signing on the Festival Stage by Duluth author Robb followed. He was joined by local officials and citizens who appear as characters in his book titled “THE END The Book,” a fictional account of the “End of the World,” set in Duluth. Part One of a seven-part series was just published.

The characters have altered names in the book. Shirley Lasseter becomes “Sheryl Lasseter, U.S. Public Affairs Liaison.” Duluth City Administrator Phil McLemore appears as “Admiral Justin P. McLemore.” Mayor Harris is in it, too. Emmy-nominated flautist Tacy Edwards performed during the book signing.