NORMAN — Lee Freeman served in the United States Marine Corp from 1968 to 1970 during the Vietnam War.
During battle, his platoon was hit by a mortar with Freeman injuring his hand. Under attack and overrun, Freeman didn’t even know he’d been hit. For his bravery — and injury — he received the Purple Heart last year.
The small town of Norman in the northern part of Richmond County is now officially a Purple Heart town. On Monday, residents and community members from other areas — including Ellerbe, Derby, Windblow and Candor — gathered to pay tribute, not only for those with Purple Hearts, but all those who have fought and continue to fight protecting freedom.
“My dad was a veteran of World War II and was shot by Germans,” said Norman Mayor Kenneth Broadway. “I started this before I was on the town council.”
A rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed by the trio of Larry Johnson, Stacy Branch and Stacy Shook — who make up Potter’s Will.
Afterwards, Navy veteran Douglas Walker lit five ceremonial candles with each one representing service men and women who fought in each war — World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War and those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other present-day conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
For Freeman, and many other veterans, Monday’s cookout was a chance to honor those from a bygone time.
“It means a lot to me,” he said about Norman hosting a Memorial Day service. “There’s a lot of other guys that have been forgotten about.”
Reach reporter Matt Harrelson at 910-817-2674 and follow him on Twitter @mattyharrelson.