BENCHES ADDED AT THE PARK...

The polished black granite benches installed at the park definitely enhance our park and provide a resting place for our visitors. The lantana planted in front of the sign is looking better and maybe it will cover the ground soon.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY SUCCESSFUL...

Veterans who participated in the program. This picture was taken

during the singing of God Bless America.

Mike Jiles played Taps in front of the Memorial Wreath under the

lowered Flag of the U.S.A.

Wayne Waddell spoke to us about his military career and some of the experiences he had in Vietnam as a prisoner of war. He reminded everyone that Memorial Day is a special time to show our appreciation and teach our children what true patriotism really is.

Jim Crawford came from his retirement home in Florida for this special occasion and dedicated the new Pavilion to all the mothers, fathers, sons and daughters of Veterans who have served their country, especially those Killed-In-Action who gave the untimate sacrifice. May we never forget - freedom is not free.

Mimi Gentry saved the day by singing the National Anthem. It is wonderful to have talent and even more wonderful when you use it without hesitation. Thank you, Mimi.

From the very beginning, it was great. The Carrollton High School ROTC did an excellent job!

REMEMBERING VIETNAM ...

Norris Garrett, President of the Veterans Memorial Park, is shown presenting an engraved rock to Sammy Robinson, the park contractor in appreciation for his work on development of the park. Both Sammy and Norris are Vietnam Veterans. The park looks beautiful in anticipation of the Memorial Day Ceremony. All visitors are welcome and if you have a question, do not hesitate to ask any one of the park committee.

EVERYONE COME ~ BRING THE CHILDREN

The Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Park will be extremely exciting with a Sky Dive Team performing! On Saturday, May 23, 2009, beginning at 10 A.M., the Memorial Day Program will honor those who have served our Country to preserve our Freedom. Sam Pyle will welcome everyone and Eddie Grantland and the Team of Divers will perform. Then we will have the invocation, US Flag ceremony and pledge, National Anthem, Laying of the Wreath, and Bag Pipes. Jim Crawford will dedicate the new Pavilion and Norris Garrett will introduce the speaker, Wayne Waddell. The Park Committee appreciates everyone who contributed to make this program meaningful.

FRESH FLOWER WREATHS AT THE PARK

This picture shows five beautiful wreaths placed in the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park by the KIA Walls on April 15, 2009. The unknown donor demonstrated an act of patriotism to our Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Country’s freedom. We are sincerely grateful for people like this unknown person who acknowledged the Veterans from Carroll County who have given their lives. Our park is a beautiful place to do this. This act is especially noteworthy with Memorial Day approaching. We thank you. (The Memorial Day Program will be at the Veterans Park on Saturday, May 23, 2009, beginning at 10 A.M.)

SAR Grave Marker Dedication

Casimir Pulaski Chapter, State Society, National Society Sons of the American Revolution

James Donald Denney
by Dr. Michael Campbell, President NSSAR, Casimir Pulaski Chapter, Georgia State Society

Today (March 22, 2009) we observe a grave marker dedication ceremony for James Donald Denney. Donald was a charter member of the Casimir Pulaski Chapter here in Carrollton. He wasa recipient of the prestigious Liberty Medal for the recruitment of new members into the Society. Donald was a Veteran, a World War II veteran of the United States Navy having served in the Asian theatre.

Donald was raised here in Carroll County and grew up during the Depression. Those that bemoan our current economic plight could have learned valuable lessons from Donald. He grew up in the time when there were no bail outs, but there were pitch-ins, you had to pitch-in and work, help put food on the table, help make any money at all and save pennies, not dollars. He was a member of what has been called the Greatest Generation; a generation saddled with the depression and thrust into a two front World War. This generation set the bar for people around the world for making sacrifices to do the right things. This generation had so much to gain and so little to lose because they had very little to start with; it is because of them that our country has experienced a life style over the last 50 years that is unparalleled in history.

Donald had his priorities in order, he was a devoted Christian, he was a devoted family man, who loved his wife, his sons, his daughters-in-law, and his grandchildren, and he loved his country and was proud of his service and his family’s service to this country. He qualified for SAR by his ancestor Edward Denney of South Carolina, and later in life Donald was very active in the Veteran’s Memorial here in Carroll County.

Those of us in the Pulaski Chapter knew Donald as a quiet man, who was passionate about his faith, his family and his country. He was a true member of the Greatest Generation and was a quiet, humble man who worked hard and was a role model for so many.

To the Denney family, thank you for sharing Donald with us, for allowing us to learn from him, and to see a man that not only talked the talk, but also walked the walk.

HORIZON BAY HONORS VETERANS WITH DINNER

The Veterans Park Committee meeting was held at Horizon Bay on February 23rd. President Norris Garrett presided and there were 32 in attendance. Community Relations Director Jenny Leibowitz, General Manager Peggy Peters, and Food Service Manager James Morris did a fantastic job honoring our Veterans with a delicious dinner. The Veterans and their guests were seated in the visitors dining room and were served like Heroes, which they are! Following dinner the group moved to the front sitting area around the fireplace for the regular meeting. Committee reports were given and plans for the Memorial Day service on May 23rd, at 10 a.m., at the Veterans Park, were discussed including a special treat by a PARACHUTE JUMPER GROUP (more about this will be announced later).