AMVET Post 89 raises Purple Heart Flag

Pictured from left holding the Purple Heart Flag are Post Adjutant Arnaldo Rodriguez, niece Louise Blodgett of Torpedo Mate Second Class Wilford Dubois and Post Cmdr. Lou Ann Braglin.

AMVET (American Veterans) Post 89 in Beverly Hills raised the Purple Heart Flag at the Civic Circle in Beverly Hills on President George Washington's birthday.

The Purple Heart medal is presented to all members of the military who were either killed or wounded by enemy action while serving in the military in the line of duty. So far, 1.8 million medals have been presented. The heart shaped medal features President Washington on a purple background.

Torpedo Mate Second Class Wilford Dubois was serving in World War Il on the U.S.S. Bristol 453 destroyer class in the Mediterranean Sea when it was hit by a torpedo from a German submarine U371 on Oct. 13, 1943.

He was listed as missing in action on that date and was declared dead on Oct. 14, 1944. His stone is in the African American Cemetery in North Africa.

Any member of the military or veterans with an honorable discharge can become a member of AMVETS. AMVETS Post 89 works to assist veterans and their families in Citrus County and people living in Citrus County. For information, call Cmdr. Lou Ann Braglin at 352-464-0931.

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