Clarion Inn named Purple Heart Business
The Clarion Inn became the first business in Pocatello to be named a Purple Heart Business.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart held a presentation for the inn Wednesday afternoon for their support for the military award of the purple heart and its members.
“I am an army vet my son was in the army my son-in-law is currently a colonel in the army a graduate of west point so I am a patriotic person and I think this is a very good thing for the city of Pocatello the Clarion Inn to recognize people that have sacrificed for the freedoms that we have in this country, ” said Mo Canfield, US Army Veteran and Retired Pocatello Police Officer.
During the presentation, Military Order of the Purple Heart Commander Miguel Dominic gave the following speech:
“Thank you Clarion Inn for having me here today and having me part of this event. For those of you who don’t know me let me introduce myself. My name is Miguel Dominic and I am currently the Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart Snake River Plain Chap 829 here in Southeast Idaho. I jumped into the military straight out of HS and completed my Basic and AIT at Ft Benning GA, becoming 11B (Infantryman) qualified. From basic I was stationed in Ft Clayton, Panama and was there for 3 years. After leaving the active service I joined the National Guard and served here in Pocatello with the 148th FA. I was deployed as part of OIF III from Nov 04 to Nov 05. I received my PH when I was injured as a gunner as part of a 3 vehicle convoy. The vehicle I was in was hit by an IED and I was knocked unconscious for around 40 mins and had to be life flighted out.
If you are a currently serving or a Veteran here today please stand…I salute you and Thank you for your service. If you have a family member serving or a loved one serving please stand…I salute them and Thank them for their service.
What is the PH? The PH is specifically a combat decoration and it is our Nation’s oldest military medal. It was first created by Gen George Washington in 1782 and was known as the Badge of Military Merit. The Current PH medal was developed by Gen Douglas MacArthur in 1932.
The PH is awarded to members of the armed forces of the US who are wounded by an instrument 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. The Heritage it represents is sacred to those who understand the price paid to wear it. By becoming a PH Business, you are honoring the sacrifices of those who have served our Nation and those who were wounded or killed in action. Charted by Congress in 1958, the MOPH is composed of Military Men and Women who received the PH Medal for wounds suffered in combat. Although our membership is restricted to the Combat Wounded, we support all Veterans and their families. There are hundreds of PH Designated Cities/ and Counties across our Nation and Idaho currently has 29 Cities, 1 County, 2 Universities, 1 Charter School, 1 College, 1 Baseball Team, 1 Cemetery, 2 Reservations, and the State of Idaho and it’s first Purple Heart Business with that designation.
By becoming a PH Business, The Clarion Inn is demonstrating its support for the MOPH and its members, as well as all Veterans of the United States Armed Forces. By taking this action, the Clarion Inn pays tribute to the those who were wounded or killed in combat by the enemies of the United States of America, defending the very freedoms that make this nation so great. For their service and sacrifice, they received the PH medal.”
In addition to becoming a Purple Heart Business, the Clarion Inn is making special parking spots for those that have received a purple heart.
