Kern County Purple Heart Ball, Feb. 14

A wonderful and worthy event is coming to Bakersfield and everyone is cordially invited. The 5th Annual Bakersfield Military Ball is just around the corner. The Ball is sponsored by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Kern County Chapter 604, with all proceeds assisting veterans. Enjoy an evening of dining and dancing, while benefitting our local veterans in need.

veterans and the public alike, are invited to the Ball, being held Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Bakersfield Marriott, Convention Center located at 801 Truxtun Ave.

The affair is black tie formal/military dress, and tickets are $65 per person. To sponsor a table the cost is $650 for veterans, and $1,000 for non-veterans. Corporations are welcome to hand-select tables from the seating chart. Please call as soon as possible as tables are filling quickly. This way your requested seating arrangement can be readied in advance of the sitting.

Kern County's Purple Heart, Chapter 604 was founded in 1992 and is inclusive of all military veterans having been injured in combat. The Purple Heart is our nation's oldest military medal, created by George Washington in 1782, then known as the Badge of Military Merit. It was originally made of cloth and is the predecessor of the Purple Heart medal. Sad to say, since 1782 over 1.5 million Purple Heart medals have been awarded to military personnel wounded in combat. The current Purple Heart was developed by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1932 and designed by Elisabeth Will, an Army heraldic Specialist of the Office of the Quartermaster General. Rather than cloth it was made of metal in the shape of a purple heart bordered with gold, with a bust of George Washington in the center and the Washington coat-of-arms at the top.

As stated on the purpleheart.org website, "The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by instruments of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. The heritage it represents is sacred to those who understand the price paid to wear it."

As funds allow the Military Order of Purple Heart, Kern Co. Chapter 604, assists veterans with mortgage cost, property taxes, utilities, transportation to job and appointments, assistance with veteran benefits and prepare and serve the annual "Holiday Feast" for the local National Guard Unit, an event that involves over 800 guests and volunteers. All services are provided by unpaid Purple Heart volunteers who pay their own expenses. The chapter is proud to state, their administrative overhead is minimal.

Come spend a wonderful evening, in honor of those who have given so much for our Country. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 14. Cocktail hour 5-6 p.m., dinner and dancing 6-11 p.m. at the Bakersfield Marriott Convention Center, located at 801 Truxtun Ave., in Bakersfield.

veterans unable to afford the cost of tickets may make arrangements when they call to reserve seating.

For tickets, sponsorship and additional event information please contact the following: Henry Garcia (661) 821-1744; David Leal (703) 2774; or Connie Tuey

(661) 859-8426.