Veteran honored for courageous service at annual community Star Spangled Banner Sing-along

Rev. Forrest Johnson Jr., St.John Missionary Baptist Church; Beverley Johnson, St.John Missionary Baptist Church; Jim Smith, Richmond Stake President; US Navy Petty Officer, 2nd Class Justin Purviance; Jack Goodroe, USMC Corporal (Ret); David Hruska, President of the Houston Texas South Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Wylie Barrow, Uncle Sam; Jennifer Wright, Music Director for The Houston Texas South Stake for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sam Young, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Richard Heaton, Second Counselor for The Houston Texas South Stake for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

An over decade tradition of patriotism was celebrated Sunday, July 3rd at the Annual Star Spangled Banner Sing-along at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sugar Land, TX. A true American Hero, US Navy Petty Officer, 2nd Class Justin Purviance, was presented with an award for his bravery, patriotism and service.



“I am honored to be recognized today and represent all veterans and men and women currently serving our country,” said Purviance.



“I pray they all feel appreciated for the sacrifices they make.”



Purviance joined the Navy in May of 2001, then graduated hospital corps school in December of 2001. He was stationed with 3/7 Lima Co in March of 2002 and completed two tours of duty in Iraq between 2003 and 2004. He was injured April 17, 2004. He received two awards for valor and bravery during his tours.



After returning home from the second tour he was retrained as an X-ray tech. Purviance was medically retired in April of 2007 as a Navy Second Class Petty officer.



Hundreds gave Purviance a standing ovation and celebrated our nation’s birth by singing patriotic songs such as “This Land is Your Land” and “God Bless America” accompanied by the Houston South and Richmond Stake choirs and many musicians.



Purviance’s appearance at the Sing-Along was arranged by Impact a Hero, a non-profit organization that provides immediate and ongoing emotional and financial support for our severely wounded veterans injured in post 9/11 combat and their families.



“We rejoice and gather in patriotism to celebrate the birth of our country, its ideals and our freedom,” said David Hruska, President of the Houston Texas South Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “As people of faith, we are especially blessed in this nation to have religious freedom, a fundamental human right and the first among rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution.”



At the conclusion of the program, attendees had the opportunity to greet Purviance and meet “Uncle Sam” as they enjoyed refreshments.



This annual free community event occurs the Sunday prior to the 4th of July each year.



