Harris To Become Purple Heart County

Following Pine Mountain and Hamilton as cities, Harris County is becoming a Purple Heart County.

The request was made during last week’s Harris County Commission meeting by Craig Rowan, Commander of the American Legion Post in Harris County, who explained the local Purple Heart Initiative was a project of both the American Legion Post and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10558, also in the county.

Rowan said the initiative honors Harris County residents that have been wounded or killed while serving in any of the US military branches.

“This medal (Purple Heart) is one of the most well-known and recognized medals worn by military personnel and veterans,” Rowan said.

In his comments Rowan noted the county’s proximity to Fort Benning, which is one of the largest military installations in the country, and that about 5,000 active-duty military or retired veterans reside in Harris County with over 300 having earned the Purple Heart.

To become a Purple Heart County, Rowan said the commission would need to approve a proclamation designating the county as such. A commemorative plaque would be presented to the county along with signage for roads leading into the county.

Rowan noted that Hamilton recently approved such a measure but once again failed to note Pine Mountain had recently done so as well.

Commissioner Rob Grant motioned to approve the request and it received a unanimous vote. Rowan said the required proclamation would be submitted to the county clerk’s office.

IN other business, the Harris County Commission:

• Recognized the Harris County 14U Boys Basketball team;
• Approved participation in the Georgia Grown Trail 27 program;

• Held the First Reading of an alcohol license for Timothy Mark Jones, Loopy Lobster doing business as Dockside Bar and Grill;

• Approved the transfer of ownership of a 2018 Ford Explorer previously utilized by the Harris County Sheriffs Office to the Waverly Hall Police Department;

• Approved a proclamation recognizing ALS Awareness Month; and

• Approved a proclamation recognizing National Small Business Week.