You Can’t take Dunedin’s Heart

By Eddie Michels on August 8, 2013

Eddie Michels photo

DUNEDIN, FLA.–The monument at Purple Heart Park in Dunedin is located at the intersection of Main and Broadway, a city which is our nations “First Purple Heart City.” The yearly ceremonies were held yesterday Wednesday August 7, 2013, the fifth anniversary of the park and 231st of the Purple Heart first being awarded during our American Revolution.

The City of Dunedin has been in the news recently about the Toronto Blue Jays leaving Dunedin as their spring training home. Dunedin has been the only spring home of the Blue Jays since the franchise inception in 1977.

The honor of Dunedin being the “First Purple Heart City” will never move out of town.

Retired Navy Commander Rick Schock, Commander of the Junior ROTC Unit at Dunedin High School handles the master of ceremonies duties (Eddie Michels photo)

Dunedin Mayor Dave Eggers addressed those assembled at Purple Heart Park yesterday. Mayor Eggers said, “To those who have received a purple heart, this is your day.” (Eddie Michels photo)

Members of American Legion Posts 238 and 275 retire the colors at the end of the ceremonies (Eddie Michels photo)

Students of the Dunedin High School Junior ROTC program handle the firing squad duties (Eddie Michels photo)

Retired Army Lt. Col. Currie Patton delivered the keynote address yesterday speaking about the history of the purple heart and it’s present day criteria (Eddie Michels photo)