WEIRTON — On the day set aside to commemorate the creation of the Purple Heart, a new parking space was dedicated for use solely by those who have received the nation’s oldest military award.

Representatives of WVU Medicine-Weirton Medical Center were joined Thursday by city officials, members of the American Legion Post 10 and other guests in dedicating the parking space located directly in front of the hospital.

“This space is more than a symbol,” explained David Artman, hospital president and CEO, noting the effort is among many in the community to recognize local veterans. “You’re seen here, you’re honored here and you’re always welcome.”

A veteran himself, Artman relayed the importance of a community showing support for those who have served in the military, and the honor it brings to those who have worn the uniform.

“I can’t put it into words. Having the opportunity to serve this country is very special,” Artman said, referring to the designated space as the “best spot” at the hospital.

DEDICATING — David Artman, president and CEO of WVU Medicine-Weirton Medical Center, addressed those gathered at the hospital Thursday for the dedication of a parking space for use by recipients of the Purple Heart. -- Craig Howell

Located directly in front of the hospital, the parking space — marked by a sign marked “Reserved Combat Wounded” with a depiction of the medal — is the latest to be dedicated in Weirton. Inspired by a similar effort launched in 2022 in Elm Grove, which saw spaces set aside at each of the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles offices, the first two spaces in the city’s campaign were dedicated at the Millsop Community Center and Weirton Municipal Building in November 2023.

Frank Haber, commander of American Legion Post 10, noted the Legion has been working with city officials since the local program’s launch, initially through the guidance of former commander, the late Ron Haggerty.

Since its launch, spaces at several local businesses have been dedicated, including at DeeJay’s BBQ Ribs and Grille, Fairfield by Marriott, Hancock County Savings Bank, United Bank and Huntington Bank.

Haber encouraged residents to remember the sacrifice of those who have served, noting something he tells himself about veterans.

“He served his country, he served his God and, most of the time, he served his family with honor,” Haber said.

Local veteran Mike Rutledge presented a history of the Purple Heart. Originally known as the Badge of Military Merit, it was created in 1782 by George Washington with the intention of honoring soldiers for meritorious action.

“The first was awarded to three Revolutionary War soldiers,” he said.

It was reinvigorated, through the creation of the Order of the Purple Heart, in the 20th Century, with the medal designed to depict a profile of Washington, placed within a purple heart, along with Washington’s family Coat of Arms.

Today, awarded to those who were wounded or killed in combat, the medal is considered to be the nation’s oldest military decoration still in use.

According to Rutledge, the modern version of the Purple Heart was presented to honor 320,518 veterans from World War I, 1,076,245 from World War II, 118,650 from Korea, 351,794 from Vietnam, 607 from the Persian Gulf, 12,534 from Afghanistan and 35,411 from Iraq.

“That’s a lot of Purple Hearts for this country,” he said.