Millsboro earns heartfelt designation for dedication to veterans

By Glenn Rolfe
Posted 4/13/22

MILLSBORO — For several years, a parking space bearing a huge purple heart in a lot near State and Main streets has been reserved for wounded combat veterans.

It is one of several identifiers of the Military Order of Purple Heart’s presence in Delaware, through Sussex County’s Chapter 1787 and Chapter 9377 upstate.

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Millsboro earns heartfelt designation for dedication to veterans

Posted

MILLSBORO — For several years, a parking space bearing a huge purple heart in a lot near State and Main streets has been reserved for wounded combat veterans.

It is one of several identifiers of the Military Order of Purple Heart’s presence in Delaware, through Sussex County’s Chapter 1787 and Chapter 9377 upstate.

“We are one of the smallest veterans’ organizations around, for obvious reasons,” said Gary Morris, the order’s department commander for Delaware. “Right now, our biggest aim is fraternal gatherings, speaking with other veterans who have been wounded. Emotionally, that is a group of people that can interact with each other with very high understanding.”

At Millsboro’s April 4 Town Council meeting, Chapter 1787 offered its gratitude for ongoing support, with a plaque, proclamation and announcement that the town is the first MOPH municipality in Sussex County.

The distinction salutes Millsboro’s “support and dedication … for becoming a Purple Heart township,” said Jim Fabian, vice commander of the local chapter. “And by the way, this is the first town or city in Sussex County to do this. I am very proud that you guys consider our military and for continued support.”

The plaque read that the award was “bestowed with pride to the township of Millsboro, Delaware for your dedication and support honoring America’s combat wounded veterans and becoming a Purple Heart township.”

“We really appreciate it,” said Acting Mayor Tim Hodges. “And I think you will find, the more you spend time in Millsboro, … you’ll find that we are very patriotic.”

Joining Mr. Fabian were John Hohman, chapter commander, and James Huff, its sergeant-at-arms. All three are Vietnam War veterans and Purple Heart recipients.

In return, the town offered its own proclamation, saluting Chapter 1787 for its effort in supporting wounded veterans.

“In honor of the Purple Heart recipients, … we’d like to thank you for what you do and what you have done,” said Mayor Hodges.

In addition to the parking space, there is a bench in Millsboro’s downtown district recognizing MOPH.

The town’s new designation now means each county in Delaware has a Purple Heart municipality.

“Newark was the first city in Delaware. Dover, in Kent County, was the second. Millsboro is first in Sussex,” said Mr. Hohman. “And each county has been designated a Purple Heart county now.”

The classification is a two-way street, Mr. Morris added.

“One, as this recognition gets out, and people start seeing it, it would be nice if people would approach us. But in turn, we are approaching communities. We did the same in Newark and the same thing for the city of Dover,” he said.

Chapter 1787’s membership is just over 100, accounting for about half the 200 MOPH participants in the First State.

“Our total members are around 200 on the rolls, although we feel there are better than 500 to 1,000 wounded veterans in the state who are not identified with our activities. We just have not been able to access them at this point,” said Mr. Morris, adding that the Purple Heart is for “veterans in combat wounded or killed. Some of our deceased veterans were also eligible at the hands of the enemy.”

Mr. Hohman is hopeful his chapter’s membership will increase.

“Some of the younger guys, they are a little slow joining up. They are still raising their family, and some of them have other problems,” he said. “There are a lot of them, younger vets from Iraq and Afghanistan. Some are still in the military. They are not yet applying, although eligible.”

Downstate, MOPH outreach includes support of the Home of the Brave transitional housing facilities for male and female veterans in Milford, as well as six Junior ROTC programs, providing for needy families and other initiatives.

“Basically, we promote patriotism and awareness of those serving, especially those who are wounded, who have served and are still serving,” Mr. Hohman said.

Part of the mission is to “let people know that veterans, not only … serve, but they sacrifice. And that sacrifice sometimes doesn’t always (get shown),” said Mr. Morris, a 27-year Air Force veteran wounded in Vietnam. “A lot of today’s veterans, we see the wounds, we see limbs, people dismembered. Those are easy to recognize. But there is a lot of wounded veterans out there. You can’t see the marks and scars emotionally or physically. We’re trying to make people (aware) of that.”

He added, “Of course, the Vietnam vets, who were the least appreciated of most all veterans. We want to make sure that today’s veterans are recognized and appreciated for what sacrifices they do make. People who don’t understand about the Purple Heart medal and the sacrifices (that) were made to get to it, it gets them asking questions. And that’s good. We hope that would filter down to the younger generation, so that they understand what the sacrifices are for people that try to keep this country in the way it’s going.”

Chapter 1787 typically meets the first Saturday of each month, October through May, at Pizza King in Millsboro.

For information, email Mr. Hohman at beachjohn13@aol.com.

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