Chapter 817 Events for 2023
Awards to JROTC Cadets - May 2023
Chapter officers visit several area high schools to present Military Order of the Purple Heart Leadership Accomplishment Awards to Outstanding cadets in High School Jr. ROTC Detachments. Presentations are normally conducted at Crestwood, Sumter, and Lakewood High Schools in Sumter County,
Shriners Parade - May 27, 2023 (CANCELLED)
Chapter members participate in a parade during the Iris Festival. Participation is aboard the Chapter Float. The parade begins at the Civic Center, proceeds down Alice Drive and ends at USC-Sumter.
Sumter County Memorial Day Ceremony - May 29, 2023
Chapter members participate in Sumter County’s Memorial Day Ceremony. This Year, the ceremony was conducted at American Legion Post 15 (vice Mabry Park). Chapter members sat together and wore Purple Heart Shirts to highlight MOPH participation in this important Sumter County Veterans Association evemt.
Purple Heart Day Proclamation - August 7, 2023
During early August. chapter members meet at the Mayor’s office for a Signing Ceremony with the Sumter during which he signs a Proclamation declaring August 7 as Purple Heart Day in the City of Sumter. Following the ceremony, a Press Release documenting the event is prepared and forwarded to the Sumter Item and to the Purple Heart Magazine. The article along with photo documentation of the event is normally included in the Sumter Item.
Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony - 11 Nov 2023
On Veterans Day, chapter members participate in the Sumter County Memorial Day Ceremony at the Sumter County Court House. During most years, the ceremony is preceded with a Parade down Sumter's Main Street and ends with particpants dismounting at the Court House for the traditional eleventh month, eleventh day, eleventh hour ceremony. In addition, chapter members partipate in a “Meet and Greet” function conducted by Sumter businesses and non-profits to thank veterans for their service and to share information.
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Morris College Thanksgiving Parade - Nov 2023
Chapter members participate in the Morris College Parade during most years. The Parade begins in downtown and proceeds down Main Street until the turn into at Morris College and ends on Campus at Morris College
Sumter's Christmas Parade - Dec 2023
Each year during the first or second weekend in December, the chapter participates in the Sumter Christmas
Parade that begins in Riley Park and ends in downtown Sumter.
Chapter Awards - As Required
During each calendar year, the chapter selects one of its members as the Patriot of the Year. The chapter also awards Certificates of Appreciation to members of the Sumter Community that support chapter activities and veterans programs.