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“Stories Of The Upstate” host Loyd Ford will feature Cliff Harpst on a Thanksgiving Day online interview.
Upon moving to the City of Greer following his wife’s death in 2007, World War II veteran Cliff Harpst became a fixture in the community, weaving tales about his life and war experiences throughout downtown Greer.
Harpst moved to Ohio in June to be closer to his family, but a city proclamation and an online radio program have captured his spirit and will share it with the Upstate on Thanksgiving.
“Stories Of The Upstate” host Loyd Ford welcomed Harpst to the studio for a biographical-based interview. The interview may be heard online, by subscribing to "Stories Of The Upstate" on iTunes or the Stitcher app.
“We think Cliff represents an authentic Thanksgiving story that is every bit American and one hundred percent Greer,” Ford said. “American because he is a veteran. Greer because he has such love for the city of Greer. And the story is all heart.”
Mayor Rick Danner signed a proclamation declaring Nov. 21-25 as “Clifford Harpst Thanksgiving Week” in the City of Greer. The week “exists for all to give thanks for homes, blessings, and the family and friends who enrich our lives,” Danner stated.
Harpst, a Pennsylvania native who joined the U.S. Army in 1944 at the age of 18, served as a radio operator. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and rose to the rank of corporal.
Harpst spent the next 60 years as a husband, father and entrepreneur who was active in his community before moving to Greer.
Wearing his World War II Veteran cap, he could be found frequently greeting business owners downtown, participating in festivals and sharing his tales at The Stomping Ground in The Cliffhangar, a section named in his honor.
“We’re calling him ‘Greer Ambassador Cliff Harpst.’ It’s really Cliff’s connection to this town and it’s people that makes his story so special,” Ford said.
“Just hearing him talk so heartfelt about his connection with Greer and how much he loves it no matter what, you can’t help but be charmed by the idea of Greer,” Ford said.