Signs popping up honoring local war heroes

A nationwide movement is now a Delmarva movement, and it's happening for the good of our area veterans.  Friday, 47ABC learned that men and women who receive the Purple Heart are being honored one sign at a time.

If you pull in to the parking lot in Toddy's Auto Sales in Lewes you might notice a unique parking space reserving a spot for Purple Heart recipients.

"I just wanted to do, when John (Hohman) approached me about the sign, I just wanted to do something.    At least I wanted to put the sign up just out of respect," said owner Clifford Todd.

This is part of the Purple Heart Trail, established in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Today, you can find five of these signs across Sussex County, serving multiple purposes.

"To provide recognition to combat wounded veterans, veterans who had been wounded in service to the United States military," says MOPH Chapter 1787 Commander John Jackson.

The sign at Toddy's honors those who served in owner Clifford Todd's family.  His father Clifford served in World War II, brother Ernest served in the Navy in Vietnam, and son Michael serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I've had some people that inquire because they hadn't seen anything like that," said Todd.

But it also makes people aware of the award and the heroes who earn it.

"It gets people to think about what is a Purple Heart, why was it awarded.  Actually it wasn't awarded, it was earned.  Anybody that was wounded earned the Purple Heart," said Jackson.  "People see the sign ask him questions about it, and that's what we want to happen."

We're told Milton Town Council has agreed to join the initiative, becoming the first incorporated town in Delaware to do so.

Clifford encourages more Sussex County businesses to reserve their spot.

"I say it would be fantastic.  It's showing respect.   That's what it's all about, it's all about the guys that serve… and ladies."

If you are interested in having a Purple Heart parking sign at your location, you can contact John Jackson at 302.228.9577.