Three flagpoles were dedicated in honor of veterans who have received Purple Hearts, during a ceremony at Zephyr Park on Dec. 15. The lighted flagpoles will be part of the permanent memorial at the park, located at 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. Efforts for a permanent memorial devoted to Purple Heart recipients began around five years ago, with the addition of a monument and two benches. Guy Patterson, of Dade City, commander of the East Pasco Chapter 705 of The Military Order of the Purple Heart group, headed the ceremony. The event included the dedication and a flag ceremony, led by the Zephyrhills High School JROTC. Patterson also presented a special recognition award to John Daff, the president of the Eagle Riders Group and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aeries 3752. These two organizations were instrumental in raising thousands of dollars for the project.
