More on Purple Heart Monument Dedicated in Chillicothe's Veterans Park

A crowd of about 170 attended the unveiling of a new monument in Chillicothe's Veterans Memorial Park.

The "Purple Heart" medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is wounded or killed in battle.

In June, Chillicothe joined about 100 towns, counties, bridges, schools, and other places, designated as Purple Heart entities. On Veterans' Day, a polished stone monument commemorating that was unveiled.

Melody Lapczynski spearheaded this effort, after hearing the pride of another Ohio town with the designation. When asked if she was the instigator of it, she says that many helped, but she did ask "why don't we?"

Aside from all the supporters, veterans and families, and local leaders, a group of Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center students also gave of their time for the event. Tea McCaulla is co-advisor to the local "Skills USA" chapter, and she said her students spent the previous three days weeding, mulching, painting, and repairing a bench built a few years ago by the school.

And, a white rose bush was planted in the park - in remembrance of the white rose laid on the casket of one of the unknown soldiers entombed a century ago on this day.

Kevin Coleman covers local culture and government