United Bank in Weirton Dedicates Parking Space for Purple Heart Recipients
United Bank in Weirton Dedicates Parking Space for Purple Heart Recipients
WEIRTON — United Bank in Weirton joined the effort to honor local Purple Heart recipients by dedicating a parking space for them at their Three Springs Drive location. The dedication ceremony took place on Friday morning, with Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell presenting a certificate of appreciation to Ken Wright, the branch manager.
The campaign to dedicate parking spaces to Purple Heart recipients started in West Virginia in 2022, with the goal of establishing such spaces at every West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles office. The initiative reached Weirton in August 2023, inspiring the City of Weirton and American Legion Post 10 to continue the program within the community.
This marks the sixth location in Weirton to have a designated parking space for Purple Heart recipients, with other locations including the Millsop Community Center, the Weirton Municipal Building, Hancock County Savings Bank, DeeJay’s BBQ Ribs and Grille, and the Fairfield by Marriott.
During the ceremony, American Legion Post 10 Commander Ron Haggerty expressed his gratitude to United Bank for their support of the program. Frank Haber, a Purple Heart recipient and member of the Legion’s committee for the program, reminded attendees to honor not only those wounded in battle but also those who never made it home.
The Purple Heart is the nation’s oldest military decoration, awarded to those wounded or killed while serving in the military. Originally known as the Badge of Military Merit, it was revived after World War I to recognize the bravery of those wounded in combat.
The dedication of parking spaces for Purple Heart recipients serves as a meaningful gesture of gratitude and respect for their sacrifice and service to the country.
(Contact Craig Howell at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)
