Lakeland, TN has officially been designated as a Purple Heart city, a title granted when a resident is a recipient of the prestigious Purple Heart Medal. The Board of Commissioners unanimously passed the resolution at their meeting on September 19, as reported by the official City of Lakeland website.
The city's designation will be commemorated with a ceremony hosted by The Mid-South Veterans League, which is scheduled for November 17 starting at 3:00 p.m.. Coinciding with this event, a flag retirement will occur, allowing residents to bring their old flags for proper disposal. Activities will take place at the previous Econo Lodge site, located at 9822 Huff n' Puff Rd., Lakeland, TN.
A full schedule of the day's proceedings was published on the city's official website, starting with the dismantling of the Honor Veterans Field of Flags at 2:00 p.m. The ceremony will commence at 3:00 p.m. with various patriotic activities including the Pledge of Allegiance, and a rendition of the National Anthem as part of the proceedings. Speakers such as Mayor Josh Roman and other dignitaries will address attendees.
Fulfilling ceremonial duties, a Purple Heart Plaque will be presented to the Mayor. Following this, a flag folding class will be conducted by the Midsouth Funeral Honors Team, and the retiring of flags from the Field of Honor will be overseen by the Sons of The American Legion Post 1. A rifle salute is to be carried out by the Midsouth Funeral Honors Team, capped by a moment of silence before adjournment.
