KINGWOOD — A ceremony was held Tuesday to dedicate a parking spot at the Preston Courthouse Annex for recipients of the Purple Heart.
The medal is the oldest awarded by the U.S., having originated with George Washington. It is given to members of the U.S. military who are injured or killed while facing an enemy of the country. It is estimated more than 1.8 million have been awarded.
“We appreciate all the members of the military that keep us free,” Preston Commission President Craig Jennings said at the ceremony. Commissioners rang the courthouse bell 21 times, symbolic of a 21-gun salute.
The West Virginia Department of the Military Order of Purple Heart approached the commission about dedicating a space, and members Terry Feight and John Haynie attended the dedication.
