Pastor Michael Myers leads Purple Heart dedication, urges community responsibility

Pastor Michael Myers, who said he has lived in Tonsville for about a year, opened the dedication by framing the corner as a lasting place of remembrance for veterans. "We are here today to honor our Purple Heart recipients," he said, noting the corner was first dedicated "39 years ago in 1987" and is largely maintained by volunteers.

Myers described the site as a symbol of sacrifice and urged residents to take stewardship responsibilities seriously: "Defend it by standing up when it would be easier to stay silent." He also announced community plans, including a September 26 fundraiser and local volunteer efforts to keep the memorial maintained.

Myers invited Pastor Don Miller to lead the invocation earlier in the program and later accepted a certificate of appreciation from local veterans groups for care of the display. The ceremony closed with a prayer and an invitation to fellowship and refreshments inside the church.