by For a standing-room-only Purple Heart Day ceremony on Thursday, August 7, locals flocked to the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Cornelia. Under the direction of VFW Post 7720 Commander Barry Church, the ceremony honored those killed or injured while serving their country and officially designated Habersham County as a Purple Heart County.
Every seat and every corner were filled with patriotic emotion thanks to the hotel’s donation of the space. It was evident long before the show started that the audience had exceeded expectations. By the time the ceremony started, there were no seats remaining, so the younger, physically fit attendees silently handed their seats to the elderly and veterans. As the presentation progressed, the audience, which was varied in age but had a common goal, stood in contemplative stillness.Barry Church, Commander of Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720, speaks at Habersham County’s first official Purple Heart Day celebration. From NowHabersham.com/Riley Moody
Both jubilation and seriousness were expressed in the decorations. At the front of the room, balloons in shades of deep violet, purple, and gold made an eye-catching show. In contrast to the black tablecloths, centerpieces of clustered balloons, whose colors matched the Purple Heart award itself, graced each table, and an American flag stood at attention next to the stage.
In his introductory remarks, Barry Church stated that spilling blood is an accident. They give their blood to these folks.
According to Scout Jackson Harkins, serving the community has a lot of meaning. His attendance was personal, he said, adding that many of his family had served in the Army.
Jim Morgan, Commander of American Legion Post 84, spoke during the occasion and gave a history of the Purple Heart award. Chaplain Ken Franklin led a prayer after the Grant-Reeves Veterans Honor Guard displayed the colors.State Representative Victor Anderson of District 10 was one of the speakers at the ceremony on August 7. From NowHabersham.com/Riley Moody
Georgia House District 10 Representative Victor Anderson gave the speech. He praised the selfless spirit of Purple Heart honorees in his remarks.
According to him, ambition is not a given. None of you aimed to accomplish that goal. It is given out when duty triumphs over fear and bravery overcomes adversity. As a community, we therefore say, “We see you, we remember,” today.
During the ceremony, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins read a letter praising Habersham’s efforts to become a Purple Heart County. A new road sign indicating Habersham’s new status was later erected by Woodall, Amanda Doughty of DAV Chapter 15, County Manager Tim Sims, and other local officials. The sign, which will be erected at the county’s boundaries, will act as a permanent memorial, reminding locals and tourists alike of the community’s profound regard for its veterans who have suffered war injuries.One of the new road signs that will identify the main entries into Habersham is presented by DAV Chapter 15 Commander Amanda Doughty and Habersham County Commissioner Kelly Woodall. County Manager Tim Sims and veteran Public Works Director Jerry Baggett are to their right. From NowHabersham.com/Riley Moody
The printed Honor Roll, which identified local Purple Heart recipients, was then presented to the veterans by a panel of commissioners and VFW leaders. As each name was mentioned, commissioners and VFW officials honored them with flags and certificates, and every moment was greeted with gratitude and cheers. Taps, performed by Danny Stephens, brought the event to an end.
Sims expressed his response after the ceremony.
He told me that we were thrilled with the turnout. This number of individuals was unexpected. This was fantastic. Getting to know all of these people was a privilege.The Habersham Chamber of Commerce’s dedication to celebrating Habersham’s heroes is demonstrated by Ellie Van Doornum and Alex Michelle’s attendance at the 2025 Purple Heart Day event in support of the community’s veterans. From NowHabersham.com/Carly McCurry
Ellie Van Doornum, speaking on behalf of the Habersham Chamber of Commerce, explained the significance of her attendance and that of the larger business community.
Every community organization should be there today, she added, because it is crucial to recognize our Purple Heart Veterans—the people who have practically died for our liberties in Habersham County. It is crucial that they are remembered since they are such significant people. These are our Habersham legends, she said. Without them, our community would not exist.
After cake and punch, everyone had a chance to socialize, exchange tales, and pay their respects. One thing was evident as visitors lingered in the decorated room, some standing and some sitting, and that Habersham County had turned out in full force to honor its heroes.
