VETERAN'S DAY CEREMONY AT THE PARK

The Veteran’s Day ceremony at the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park was very touching as the community gathered at the Park to remember and honor our troops and veterans.  Gary Bruton, retired Navy Officer and current administrator of the Trinka Davis Veterans Village, spoke about the close bonds veterans share.  He explained some experiences and information about his life.  It was an excellent opportunity for him to let everyone know about his concerns and willingness to devote his life to making life better for the veterans, especially in this area.  As the DAR ritual begins, “To perpetuate the memory and the spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; to promote the development of an enlightened public opinion; and to foster patriotic citizenship – these are the objects of our National Society Daughters of the American Revolution,” This is exactly what was accomplished.  Indeed it all started with the American Revolution to gain our independence and has continued through the years because of our veterans’ dedication and love of country.  We are reminded that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!    

Terry Lowry and the Carroll Community Wind Ensemble provided appropriate music and gave the entire program that special touch – first class!  Many in our community shared their expertise and resources to make this an outstanding event and everyone that participated is appreciated. 

L to R: Ronnie Pate, who welcomed every one and presided over the ceremony; Gary Bruton, featured speaker; and Norris Garrett, President of the Veterans Park introduced the speaker.

L to R: Bob Miller and Edwin Ivey played the Bag Pipes during the placing of the wreath. 

ROTC members presented the colors and their Commander Major Hendrix led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Angie Hawkesworth sang the National Anthem and God Bless America.  Sharing her “God given talent” was a blessing to everyone.  Ronnie Pate is standing in the background and in front of one Killed-In-Action Wall of Honor.

Carrollton High School ROTC placed the memorial wreath in the center of the 22 Walls of Honor containing 1056 Veteran’s names and service records.  It is displayed beside the USA Flag.  The memorial wreath was furnished by Price Florist.

 

L to R: Bruce Holley, Ronnie Pate, Jo and Norris Garrett, Violette Denney, Rebecca Smith, and Larry Jennings.  The Carrollton Evening Sertoma Club celebrated this special occasion to present the Park a check for $500 – a great way to show their patriotism and honor our veterans. 

 

L to R: Rose and Bruce Holley, Ronnie Pate, Jo and Norris Garrett, Violette Denney, and Larry Jennings.  Bruce Holley gave the Invocation at the beginning of the ceremony.  His wife, Rose, is a member of the Carrollton Evening Sertoma Club.  Vice President Ronnie Pate recognized three retiring members: Jo Garrett for her years of service assisting her husband with the drafting of the plaques for the Walls of Honor, etc., Norris Garrett for the credentials work since the beginning of the park and for serving as president; and Violette Denney for working with the park for eleven years – the last eight as park treasurer and finance chairman.  Larry Jennings is program chairman and fulfilled his duties well.

It is like counting grains of sand!  It was cold (but not too cold) and people were sitting close together!  The sound system, furnished by the Chamber of Commerce and set up by Daniel Jackson, made it possible for everyone to hear and enjoy the program.