Weirton opens third Purple Heart parking space at Hancock County Savings Bank

WEIRTON, W.Va. (WTRF) — The parking lots of the Ohio Valley are turning purple.

Whether at the Weirton City building or the Highlands Quaker Steak and Lube, communities are recognizing that a special kind of service deserves a special spot.

It started with the idea that at a place as busy and stressful as the DMV, the veterans who have been wounded in combat should be able to get in and out easily.

That started a movement that’s put a purple-striped parking space at every branch in the state, and now businesses are standing up with their own salute.

The City of Weirton and the Hancock County Savings Bank on Three Springs Drive debuted another addition to the Purple Heart Parking Project Friday.

VFW Post 4442 began the effort in Elm Grove two years ago, and now American Legion Post 10 has taken up the call in Hancock and Brooke Counties.

The project refers to Purple Heart recipients as our country’s ‘combat wonders’, some of whom have selflessly lived with their wounds for decades.

“To me, [it’s] as big a no brainer as you can have. We support our veterans in any way we can, and this way is something we can do every day. It’s here. It’s every day.”

Doug Comm, President and CEO, Hancock County Savings Bank

“The Purple Heart insignia is the sign of a veteran that was wounded. They drew blood. He got shot and got blown up. But that’s a veteran and that’s what the Purple Heart recipient gets for someone that’s given part of their body, blood and bled for this country.”

Tim Connell, Weirton City Councilman

Connell says says special spaces for veterans are all around the city already—but a Purple Heart sacrifice deserves its own recognition.

If you happen to be a Purple Heart veteran, the city also has spaces for you at the Weirton Municipal Building and the Millsop Community Center, and thanks you for your service.

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