APPRECIATION PLAQUES TO CHAIRMAN SMITH AND SHERIFF LANGLEY

Don Levans said, "Prior to the service last Saturday I made a few comments about the Park, inviting

Folks to join with us, etc. I also took that opportunity to make a brief Dedication of our new Information Center.  In the process I presented Carroll County Chairman Marty Smith and Sheriff Terry Langley with plaques showing our appreciation for the Sheriff having provided the funds and the County for the labor for the Information Center."

The picture of Smith and Levans did not include the Sheriff, so I added his picture! VHD

PICTURES MADE ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

 

                            

9/11 REMEMBERED AND FIRST RESPONDERS RECOGNIZED

Thank you Times-Georgian for the coverage of this event in today’s paper!

(I, Violette Denney, was unable to attend due to a prior commitment.)  This is what the Park President Don Levans said, “American Legion Post 143 "out did themselves developing, coordinating (with every First Responder Unit in the County) and precisely "pulling off" a very meaningful and powerful program that perfectly tied the events of September 11, 2001 to our First Line of Defense today, the 911 First Responders.

Emcee Barry Gardner (VP CCVMP) did a perfect job is guiding and explaining the complex movements of the participants as they presented the Colors, Laid the Wreath, Rang the Bell -- and honored those who lost their lives as First Responders right here in good ole Carroll.

Bryant Hightower (who volunteered two months of his time assisting with body recovery) delivered a heart wrenching description of his "hands on" experience.

Commission Chair Marty Smith acting as the Key Note Speaker did a magnificent job is tying the 9/11 Memorial to the 911 - First Responders of today.  A very important (and maybe overlooked) part of his talk was pointing out the value of CCVMP to the community, especially pointing out that the Association has added special meaning to the Park by expanding the events making CCVMP now a place for the County to gather to honor beyond the Veteran Community.

The reading of the names of those Killed-On-Duty was especially moving as Barry read each name and our wonderful bell was tolled, the wreath laid and taps played.  AND - a bonus - Congressman Westmoreland "showed up" and made very positive comments about how his father had died on duty as a Fireman and a National view of 9/11.  He also presented a medal to each of the honorees as Commander Driver presented the American Plaque to each one.  

Receiving the American Legion Certificate of Commendation were: • Deputy Brad Garmon of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Commander Jerry Eason of Carroll County Fire Rescue, Firefighter Justin Evans of the Carrollton Fire Department, Paramedic Judy Simpson (not present), EMT Josh Ice, Melissa Smith of E 911, and Officer Chad Wilson of the Carrollton Police Department.

For the record: We now provide for Revolution - Confederate - POW/MIA - Purple Heart - Flag Retirement - Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Wreaths Across America - First Responders.”

UWG HONOR STUDENTS VOLUNTEER AT THE CCVMP

President Don Levans said, "A group of UWG Honors Students volunteered at CCVMP on Friday September 2, 2016.  While in the Park they assisted Grounds Chairman Wayne Driver and his team distribute pine straw in all the landscape beds in the park, including those along the west bank.  The group was led by Coordinator of Volunteer Programs at UWG (Pictured kneeling in front of the group) -- Grounds Chairman Wayne Driver and President Don Levans are in the back row -right side."

The new information Center at the Park is now complete.  

Pictured above are two students from UWG.

PATRIOT DAY 9/11 REMEMBRANCE ON 9-10-2016 AT CCVMP

Patriot Day’s will be observed on Saturday, September 10, 2016, when the American Legion Post 143 will sponsor a 9/11 program at the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park to honor our first responders.  The program will begin at 10:50 A.M. with music by the Carroll County Wind Ensemble and the opening remarks will start at 11 A.M.  It will be a program to pay tribute to our county’s “other uniformed Service Personnel,” complete with recognition and awards.  Bryant Hightower, who was on hand to help with the recovery and identification at the Twin Towers in New York, will speak.

The Carroll County police departments, sheriff’s department, county and city fire departments, EMTs, and the 911 call center will be recognized with appreciation.  Those who lost their lives in the line of duty from these groups will be honored and remembered.  Come and bring your neighbors – this needs to be one of the most attended events at the Park ever.  These are the people who keep us safe every day during our regular activities.

(Summary from LinkedIn for Bryant Hightower) I am part of a funeral service family that goes back three generations. I have had the honor of serving the state of Georgia in many ways, including terms as president of the Georgia Funeral Directors Association and the Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia, as a deputy coroner for Haralson County, and as a member of the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service.

On a national level, I have served on many National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Committees; currently, I serve as an at-large representative (2015-17) to the NFDA Board of Directors. My national service also includes serving as chair of the NFDA Advocacy Committee, representing Georgia on the NFDA Policy Board and serving as an at-large representative to the Board of Directors from 2007 to 2009.

My wife, Cathy, and I have three daughters.”

PURPLE HEART FLAG INSTALLED

"As a part of the Purple Heart Ride fundraiser, we had hoped to have a Purple Heart Flag flying at CCVMP.  Turned out that that flag is not all that easy to obtain and we have just gotten it installed.  Our friends in McDaniel Curtis SCV Camp built and installed the two new flag poles adjacent to our POW/MIA monument.  This is a great addition to the park!  The flags are very visible from Newnan Road and from the front entrance they call attention to the POW/MIA monument.

Don (Levans)"

EMC ROUND-UP GRANT RECEIVED - THANK YOU!

Thank you Carroll EMC Round-Up Members.  Your contributions each month help us honor all veterans and keeps our Park looking great!  Pictured with Don Levans is EMC Round-Up coordinator Sherrie Mobley at the presentation ceremony.

Hey CCVMP Workers

Attached is a picture of CCVMP receiving a wonderful check from Carroll EMC RoundUP program in the amount of $2,600.  It could not have come at a better time.  We are NOT out of money but it is true that our reserves ARE at an uncomfortable low.

By the way, if you use EMC for your power source please make sure that you are participating the RoundUP program --- Those penne's handed out about $125,000 to non-profits in West GA last Thursday afternoon.

Don