The Dillon County Council proclaimed Dillon County a Purple Heart County at their April meeting.
Veterans Affairs Officer Jerry Huggins said that he was contacted by James Miller, Department of South Carolina Commander for the Miltiary Order of the Purple Heart.
Miller is trying to get all towns and counties in South Carolina to be proclaimed as a Purple Heart town/county in appreciation to wounded veterans for the sacrifice they and their families have made for our country and their community in particular.
This is part of a national endeavor to have all states, cities, towns, counties, etc. to give recognition to their local heroes.
Accompanying Huggins at the signing was Purple Heart recipient Johnny Sawyer, a former Dillon County Sheriff’s deputy.

STATE OF SOUTH
CAROLINA
County of Dillon
Proclaiming Dillon County as a Purple Heart County
WHEREAS, the Purple Heart is the oldest declaration in present use and was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782; and
WHEREAS, the Purple Heart was the first American service award or decoration made available to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to any member of the United States Armed Services wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, chartered by an Act of Congress, is to foster an environment of goodwill among the combat wounded veteran members and their families, promote patriotism, support legislative initiatives, and most importantly, make sure we never forget; and
WHEREAS, Dillon County has had several residents make the ultimate sacrifice in armed conflicts since 1898 and has a large number of residents that have been awarded the Military Order of the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat; and
WHEREAS, Dillon County has a large population of highly decorated military members both active and retired living in its communities; and
WHEREAS, Dillon County recognizes the commitment and increasing sacrifices military families are making; and
WHEREAS, Dillon County Military Community Covenant pledges to support those who serve in which together we build strong communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the governing body of Dillon County, South Carolina, the Dillon County Council, to proclaim Dillon County As A Purple Heart County.
Approved by the Dillon County Council in meeting duly assembled this 23rd day of April 2014.
-Chairman Andrew “Deboy” Graves
-County Administrator Clay Young