LaFayette, GA – A crowd of veterans and their families joined others from the community to dedicate a new monument honoring recipients of the Purple Heart Medal in Walker County.

The City of LaFayette approved a proclamation last November to become a “Purple Heart City” to honor the contributions and sacrifices of men and women from the area who served in the Armed Forces.

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Daryl Brooks organized a fundraising campaign to cover the expense of erecting a monument in Joe Stock Park in LaFayette. He thanked everyone who donated to the effort, including a young boy who gave him a quarter in memory of his grandfather.

There are close to 100 Purple Heart Award recipients living in Walker County, a “Purple Heart County” since July 31, 2014.