On September 19th, the Lakeland Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution to designate the City of Lakeland as a Purple Heart City, a title given to cities with residents who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal. To commemorate this recognition, the Mid-South Veterans League will host a special “Purple Heart City” ceremony on November 17th at the former Econo Lodge site, located at 9822 Huff n’ Puff Rd. in Lakeland, TN. The event begins at 3:00 PM and will conclude with a solemn flag retirement ceremony at the Honor Veterans Field of Flags.
The ceremony will feature various speakers and tributes, including an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Terry Adams, and a performance of the National Anthem by Skyy Jordan. Lakeland Mayor Josh Roman will address attendees and receive a Purple Heart Plaque on behalf of the city. Additionally, the Midsouth Funeral Honors Team will lead a flag folding demonstration, and the Sons of The American Legion Post 1 will conduct the official flag retirement ceremony, accompanied by a rifle salute. A moment of silence will conclude the event.
Attendees are encouraged to bring flags they wish to retire, and a flag folding class will be available for those interested. The event schedule is as follows:
Full Schedule:
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Guest arrival and flag dismantling at the Field of Flags
- 3:00 PM – Closing Ceremony begins
- Invocation by TBD
- Pledge of Allegiance by Terry Adams
- National Anthem by Skyy Jordan
- Welcome remarks by Terry Adams
- Remarks by Lakeland Mayor Josh Roman
- Presentation of Purple Heart Plaque to the Mayor
- Flag folding demonstration by the Midsouth Funeral Honors Team
- Returning of Flags from the Field of Honor
- Flag retirement ceremony by Sons of The American Legion Post 1
- Rifle salute by the Midsouth Funeral Honors Team
- Moment of Silence
- Adjournment
Note: The timeline of events is subject to change. Updates will be posted as needed.
Those interested in volunteering for the event or who have questions can contact Alex Harris at (901) 633-7003 or email Terry Adams at midsouthveteransleague@gmail.com.
