DMV announces statewide Purple Heart Parking Spot program
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CHARLESTON -- The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles is unveiling a new program to honor veterans.
State DMV Commissioner Everett Frazier announced that the local, veteran-initiated program honoring Purple Heart veterans is receiving statewide recognition.
Commander Wally McMasters of VFW Post 4442 has been promoting his Purple Heart Parking Spot Program idea in the Northern Panhandle for the past year. He said the program has garnered support from many retail and business outlets, who have each agreed to make one parking spot in their shopping areas specifically dedicated to Purple Heart veterans.
McMasters approached the DMV in Moundsville about the idea, and Frazier not only agreed, but envisioned having one at each regional DMV office across the state.
"If it was up to me, I'd give our veterans the whole parking lot," Frazier said. "Our service men and women in uniform give their time, effort, and sometimes pay the ultimate sacrifice -- their very lives -- so that we can enjoy our freedoms.
"To me, giving them a parking spot at each office is just a small way that we can say 'Thank you for your service!'"
McMasters said participation from businesses in the Wheeling and surrounding areas was his "Phase 1."
"Phase 2 is going statewide, and Phase 3 will be touching the nation," McMasters said.
The first Purple Heart Parking Spot sign to be included at a DMV regional office was installed in Moundsville on March 22 with several veterans and DMV staff in attendance.
In coming months, signs will continue to be placed across the state until each regional office is included.
For more information, visit the DMV website at dmv.wv.gov.