Loganville American Legion Post 233 a Purple Heart Post

Under a banner depicting the Purple Heart, an award presented to U.S. military personnel wounded or killed in combat action, Loganville Mayor Branden Whitfield reds a proclamation declaring American Legion Post 233 to be a Purple Heart Post, signifying the post’s honoring and support for Purple Heart recipients.  Photo credit: Skip Baliles Special to The Walton Tribune

American Legion Post 233 in Loganville has been officially designated as a Purple Heart Legion Post.

The designation honors the commitment of the veterans’ group to recognizing the courage and sacrifice of the military personnel who receive the award, presented to service members wounded or killed by enemy action.

The declaration of Post 233 as a Purple Heart Post was formalized in a Saturday ceremony at the post. The observance included recognition of local Purple Heart recipients and their families, and the signing of a proclamation declaring the special designation for Post 233. The city of Loganville was designated a Purple Heart City in 2019, noting its commitment to honoring Purple Heart recipients.

Signed by Post 233 Commander Michael S. Madsen, Loganville Mayor Branden Whitfield, Post 233 Adjutant Tony Somphonephackdy and Lou Zayas, commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), the proclamation recognizes American Legion Post 233 for its long service as “a pillar of patriotism, service, and community support, honoring the men and women who have courageously defended our nation.”

The MOPH, a nonprofit organization comprising Purple Heart recipients, provides an array of services to all veterans and their families, in addition to advocating for veteran-related legislation and providing camaraderie for service members who share the experience of being wounded in service to the United States of America.

In addition to designation Post 233 as a Purple Heart Chapter of the American Legion, the proclamation recognizes Purple Heart recipients in Loganville and throughout Walton County, noting the “noble sacrifice and selfless duty” that characterizes recipients of the prestigious military honor.

In its closing words, the proclamation urges citizens, and in particular, civic leaders, to “pause and reflect on the courage, heroism and sacrifice of our nation’s Heart recipients, ensuring that their service to our country is never forgotten.”