Banquet planned for Purple Heart heroes
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on July 1, 2012 1:50 AM
They want to honor men and women who have sacrificed for their country, but don't yet know who to invite.
They envision an evening of fellowship, storytelling and standing ovations, but need a cadre of volunteers -- and donors -- to pull it off.
So members of the upstart Wayne County Purple Heart are calling on the public to help them pull off an Aug. 10 dinner designed to give the community a chance to thank those neighbors who have come back from war with wounds they might never have revealed to anybody.
And time is running out.
A committee made up of local veterans, residents and politicians has been formed for the purpose of planning and executing Goldsboro's first Purple Heart banquet.
Medal of Honor recipient Joe Marm has been selected to give the keynote address.
But to make their vision a reality, they need names -- of those who wish to volunteer, those who wish to donate to the cause and, most importantly, those who have earned the coveted Purple Heart.
Mayor Al King and Wayne County Veterans and Patriots Coalition President Bill Graham are co-chairs of the committee.
Both hope the public will step up to ensure that August evening is unforgettable for some of its nation's fighting force.
Those who wish to volunteer, donate or submit the name of a Wayne County Purple Heart recipient are asked to contact Graham at (919) 394-2200.