IN THEIR HONOR – The Fairfield by Marriott, located on Amerihost Drive, has set up one parking space for military veterans who have received the Purple Heart. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Two area businesses have joined the ranks of those offering parking spaces reserved for those veterans who have received the Purple Heart.

Representatives of the American Legion Post 10 and the City of Weirton gathered Wednesday morning at DeeJay’s BBQ Ribs and Grille and the Fairfield by Marriott to unveil the parking spaces to be used exclusively by those who have been wounded in the line of duty while serving in the nation’s Armed Forces.

“This is the least we can do for our veterans,” noted Michael Sherbak, managing partner of DeeJay’s.

The Purple Heart is considered the nation’s oldest military decoration, awarded to those wounded or killed while serving. Originally known as the Badge of Military Merit and presented by George Washington on three known occasions during the American Revolution, the award fell out of practice for some time, but resurfaced after World War I, carrying on the same ideals Washington had in recognizing those wounded brave.

“It’s just something we can do to give back,” Barb Barkley, general manager of the Fairfield, said, noting members of her family have been wounded in combat.

SPACES DEDICATED – DeeJay’s BBQ Ribs and Grille have established three parking spaces in front of the restaurant on Three Springs Drive for the use of those who have received the Purple Heart. It is part of a growing campaign in Weirton to recognize area veterans wounded in combat. -- Craig Howell

DeeJay’s has set aside three parking spaces located in front of the restaurant, while the Fairfield has one space near the hotel’s main entrance.

The effort in West Virginia to dedicate parking spaces to Purple Heart recipients began in 2022 with a campaign launched by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4442 in Elm Grove with a goal of establishing such spaces at each West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles office. The campaign reached Weirton in August 2023, inspiring the City of Weirton and American Legion Post 10 to carry it on within the community.

“It’s been wonderful,” said Ron Haggerty, commander of Post 10, explaining he and four other members of the post have been approaching local businesses in recent months.

Haggerty noted participating businesses have made donations to assist with the costs of the program.

The City of Weirton established two spaces – one at the Weirton Municipal Building and one at the Millsop Community Center – in November 2023, with Hancock County Savings Bank joining the efforts in April.

“It’s growing faster than we thought,” said Mayor Harold “Bubba” Miller.

Frank Haber, a member of the Purple Heart committee in Weirton and a recipient of the award himself, pointed to the divisions taking place in the nation, saying he feels programs such as this can help provide some measure of healing.

“A program like this helps bring us together,” Haber said. “We need that so bad.”

Other such spaces are in the works at other businesses, according to city officials.