MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY AT THE PARK

Larry Jennings proudly stands with June Drew as she is recognized for her service during WW II as a WASP - Women Airforce Service Pilot. They flew planes state side so the men would be free to fulfill other necessary duties during the war.

Over 600 gathered at the park today, Saturday, May 29, 2010, and were blessed to hear two outstanding veterans speak about our great nation and their military experiences. Pictured above (l. to r.) is Wayne Waddell, John Burson, and Norris Garrett. All those who participated were absolutely wonderful and celebrated the lives of our veterans, both past and present, especially those who are honored at the park on the KIA, MIA, and POW walls.

President Norris Garrett dedicated the Women's Memorial Wall and recognized WW II WASP June Drew. She received a standing ovation and round of applause. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped to recognize the many men and women who have given both time and talent, up to and including their very lives.

SOMEONE NOTICED........

Thank you Carroll County Chamber of Commerce

and Environmental Projects Committee!

We are so glad you appreciate our work. We appreciate you, too!

SMITH PROMOTES CCVMP IN THE OLYMPICS

Dr. Will Smith, who is known to his family and friends as Will or brother, entered the DeKalb County Senior Olympics on Saturday, May 15, 2010, and won two first place gold medals and one second place silver medal. In the track and field events Smith won gold in the 1.5 mile walk and the 25 yard dash and silver for the football toss.

Smith was born in Carrollton 73 years ago and grew up in Polk County. In high school he participated in track and field and played football. While serving in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1962 he competed on a boxing team and was a middleweight champion while serving in Korea. He received his basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C. and completed his heavy weapons training at Ft. Hood, Texas, before going to Korea for a year and a half. After leaving the Army, he attended nursing school and became a licensed practical nurse in 1968 and he worked at Battey State Hospital, which is now Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital. Later he worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the hospitals in Decatur and Augusta. It was at the hospital in Decatur that he learned about the DeKalb County Senior Olympics.

After Smith attended Covington Theological Seminary in Ft. Oglethorpe and earning his doctorate of ministries degree, he was pastor of Bethlehem Temple Church in Carrollton from 1970 to 2005. He still works out every day, even though he is a cancer survivor and he has lost some of his hearing and vision ability, and suffers from knee injuries from his days in the military.

The Veterans Park is important to Will and his wife Annie. They have continuously paid their dues and Will has served as Chaplain or Assistant Chaplain for years. They have two daughters: Camilla and Theresa; two sons: William Parks and Michael and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Thank you Will Smith for representing the Veterans Park very well!

MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM, MAY 29, 2010

CARROLL COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
HONORING THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED FOR OUR FREEDOM
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY ………. MAY 29, 2010, 10 A.M.
WELCOME …………………………………………………… Donald Levans
INVOCATION …………………………………………………… Bill Cowart
LAYING OF THE WREATH & PLEDGE……Carrollton High, ROTC
NATIONAL ANTHEM ……………………………………. Robin McKenzie
DEDICATION OF WOMEN’S WALL ………………….. Norris Garrett
INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER ………………….. Wayne Waddell
SPEAKER ………………………………………………………… John Burson
GOD BLESS AMERICA …………………………………….. Robin McKenzie
TAPS ………………………………………………………………. Larry Jennings
OUR THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING
TO THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED AND THOSE WHO ATTEND
DRINKS ………………………………… Compliments of Wal-Mart. Peggy Riley
BLEACHERS & CHAIRS …………. County Recreation Department
SOUND SYSTEM ………………….. Chamber of Commerce, Daniel Jackson
SALES TABLE ……………………….. Ken Lowery
SOLDIERS DISPLAY ………………. Sam Pyle
BUGLE CORPS ……………………… Terry Lowry
ROTC COMMANDER …………… Major Hendrix
MEMORIAL WREATH ………….. Price Florist
PORTABLE POTTIES …………….. Johnnie on The Spot
PARKING …………………………….. Scout Troop 179
PROGRAM & WELCOME COMMITTEE – Jan Head, Jo Garrett,

Joann Jennings and Violette Denney
GOD BLESS AMERICA