A front-row parking spot permanently reserved for U.S. service members wounded in combat was painted purple, the color of the Purple Heart, this afternoon during an outdoor ceremony at Lander University.
Joining Lander President Richard Cosentino and First Lady Jessica Cosentino in painting the parking space were members of Lander's student body, faculty and staff who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
The Purple Heart is awarded to armed forces members who were wounded in combat. If the service member is killed in action or dies as a result of the wounds, it is presented posthumously to the next of kin.
"We're committed to those who have selflessly served our great nation and this spot is a visual symbol of the pact we have with them," said President Cosentino.
The space, located in front of Lander's Carnell Learning Center, will be formally dedicated during the university's Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11.
Lander's Veterans Day Ceremony
District 14 House Representative Mike Pitts will be the featured speaker during Lander University's Veteran's Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11.
The program, which is free and open to everyone, begins at 2 p.m. in the Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium and will be followed by a reception.
Veterans will be admitted free to that day's 4:30 p.m. Volleyball Military Appreciation Game (Lander vs. Augusta) and the 8:30 p.m. Basketball Military Appreciation Game (Lander vs. Brevard in the Bearcat Classic Tournament).
For more information, call 864-388-8331.