A small, close-knit town in Northern Moore County known for its hiking trails, farms, and annual farmers day celebration has something new to celebrate.
The Town of Robbins is now officially recognized as a Purple Heart town.
Moore County is a Purple Heart county, but Robbins is the first town in the county to receive the honor and is now the 133rd town in North Carolina.
Three of Robbins’ Purple Heart citizens, Barry Brady, Danny Cheek, and James Comer, and their families attended the ceremony held Saturday at the 68th annual Farmers Day.
Purple Heart citizens, Barry Brady, Danny Cheek, and James Comer.
Town manager Clint Mack told Sandhills Sentinel before the ceremony, “What this designation means is that we will honor the sacrifices of our patriots, and we are committed as a community to make this the best town we can so that their wounds or lives were not given in vain.”
Mack, a veteran, gave an emotional speech that brought many to their feet. In his opening remarks, he gave the history of the Purple Heart medal that was introduced in 1782 as a badge of military merit and also described the design. Mack and the crowd thanked the recipients and all veterans by giving them a standing ovation.
“If you have lived here, loved, or supported Robbins, especially the last few decades, I don’t think there is a person who has been involved in this town who hasn’t been wounded in some way over the years,” said Mack. “Whether it’s wounded emotionally, economically, spiritually, or socially. There are a lot of people in this town that have wounds, but these men are examples of that being OK. No matter the circumstances, we need to continue to fight until the battle is over and the job is done.
“The simple fact is the soldiers want to come home. When they come home, they want to come home to the best version of their hometowns they can have. It’s our job to give the greatest version of home to them and give it to them as they did by example. Fighting for our kids, fighting for our communities, our schools, our churches, our businesses, our government, and most importantly, each other.
“We will keep moving forward together here in Robbins. It’s an honor to be your town manager from the bottom of my heart. God Bless Robbins, and God bless America.”
Hundreds attended as the Purple Heart ceremony honorees unveiled the sign that will be placed at the entrance of the town.
~Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self.
