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Fair program to honor Purple Heart recipients
By D.A. WILKINSON
LISBON
A new program at the Columbiana County Fair reflects respect for servicemen who were wounded while fighting for America.
Sharen Cope and Robert Crosser, who are among the directors on the county’s fair board, came up with the idea earlier this year.
People in the quilting, crocheting, knitting and cross-stitch categories were asked to make and enter a throw at least 40-by-60 inches but not larger than a twin size. The entries had to have the colors of red, white and blue and show a purple heart. The Purple Heart is the military decoration given to those wounded in battle.
The quilting program, Purple Hearts for Veterans, is a category at the 2010 fair. Thirteen veterans will be recognized at 11:30 a.m. Sunday in front of the grandstand, where they will be presented with the entries. As a sign of the respect shown the veterans, 28 throws were entered. Mida Delaney of Austintown won the best of show in the category Purple Heart Throw.
The winning quilts along with three contributions hand-quilted by Cope as gifts from the board will be presented to those Purple Heart veterans who submitted their names and information on their medals to the fair office. Documentation of the Purple Heart award was required.
A drill team from Salem also will offer the rifle volley to salute veterans. The invocation will be given by Rev. Mark Wilds, pastor of New Lisbon Presbyterian Church.
Cope said officials from nearby fairs who heard of the program are considering similar activities.
Cope said her uncle was wounded in action and taken prisoner at the Battle of the Bulge, and Crosser is a Vietnam veteran.
Crosser said, “I was glad I was able to come out unscathed.”