ATLANTA – State Representative Terry Rogers (R-Clarkesville) sponsored House Resolution 450 in this year’s legislative session, which recognizes Colonel Benjamin H. and Anne Grant Purcell and dedicates a road in their honor. The road dedication is scheduled to take place on September 14, 2013.
“This is a long, overdue honor, and I am glad this legislation passed during session,” said Rep. Rogers. “There is no finer example of patriotism than Colonel and Mrs. Purcell, and this is just a small way we are able to recognize them for all of their sacrifices.”
The Department of Transportation will erect and unveil the sign dedicating a piece of Highway 197 North to Colonel and Mrs. Purcell on September 14th. The sign will go up past mile marker 5, outside of Clarksville. The family of the late Colonel Benjamin H. Purcell invites anyone who would like to honor the late hero and his wife to attend this dedication ceremony.
Colonel Benjamin H. and Anne Grant Purcell are natives of Northeast Georgia and attended North Georgia College. Colonel Purcell served with the United States Army for over 30 years and has been recognized with numerous decorations for his service and heroism, including the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Purple Heart. After his helicopter was shot down during a combat tour in Vietnam, Colonel Purcell was captured by the Viet Cong and spent 62 months as a prisoner of war, making him the highest ranking Army P.O.W. held in Vietnam.
During Colonel Purcell’s captivity, Mrs. Purcell worked to raise awareness of missing and captive soldiers. She became a founding member of the National League of Families of Prisoners of War and Men Missing in Southeast Asia; and in recognition for her service to missing and captive service personnel, Mrs. Purcell was honored as Fort Benning’s Military Wife of the Year in 1971.
Upon his return to Georgia and the conclusion of his military career, Colonel Purcell continued to serve his community and this state as a Representative for the General Assembly, a member of the Georgia State Veterans Services Board, a member of the board of directors for the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce, and a deacon for Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville.
The couple later coauthored a book, Love and Duty, which recounts their experiences during the Vietnam War, and they have appeared on numerous radio and television talk shows to share their story of love, faith, and courage. Colonel Purcell passed away on Tuesday, April, 2, 2013.
For more information about the road dedication ceremony, please contact Rep. Rogers’ office at (404) 656-0178.
Representative Terry Rogers represents the citizens of District 10, which includes portions of Habersham and White counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2011 and currently serves as the Vice-Chairman on the State Planning & Community Affairs Committee, and the Secretary on the Defense & Veterans Affairs. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism and Human Relations & Aging committees.
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