CARROLLTON MAYOR SPEAKS AT MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Beginning at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, May 23, 2015, Terry Lowry and the Carroll Wind Ensemble provided patriotic music for the entire ceremony.

Barry Gardner, LTC USA, Retired, on behalf of the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park Committee, welcomed everyone and he was the emcee for the entire ceremony.

Chaplain Will Smith prayed the opening prayer and asked God to guide and protect our Veterans and Troops.

The Carrollton High School JROTC presented the Colors.

Judy Hunnicutt sang the National Anthem and she was joined by Alvin Hunnicutt singing God Bless America.

Carrollton High School JROTC and Representatives from the Veterans Organizations performed the “Laying of the Memorial Wreath.”

The American Legion Post 143 Rifle Squad and Taps.

In the absence of Congressman Lynn Westmoreland Barry Gardner, LTC USA, Ret. presented the US Flag that was flown over the Capitol with the Certificate to the Park and expressed Westmoreland’s apology. Pictured with Gardner after the ceremony ended are Abraham Baldwin Chapter NSDAR members (Service for Veterans Chairman Violette Denney (left) and Chapter Regent Alice Robinson).  Denney said, “I feel honored to be able to touch this special Flag!”

Certificate from Congressman Lynn Westmoreland

Gardner mentioned World War I Events and recognized the Carrollton Employees that are Veterans and who have recently had their names and service records entered on plaques on the Walls of Honor.  The City of Carrollton honored these employees by buying an entire Wall of Honor to display their plaques.

Mayor Wayne Garner (left) after being introduced by Gardner presented his speech.  Garner served eight years in the Georgia National Guard.  His father landed on Utah Beach during the invasion of France and Europe during World War II.  His brother, a Vietnam War veteran, received the Silver Star. 

The Park Expansion was explained by Gardner and he said that the six Walls of Honor being added would provide space for 576 individual plaques.  These with the current 1152 already installed would make a grand total of 1,728!  He stated that this is a living memorial – meaning you can be added to the Wall of Honor while you are still living and be able to actually see your name inscribed there.

The Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Post 143 Raised the Colors.

Gardner thanked everyone who contributed support and service making the ceremony possible.  He called attention to the back of the program for a list of those giving assistance.

Carrollton Councilman Mike Patterson visits with two Marine Veterans.

Sons of the Confederacy and Sons of the American Revolution were there to represent their organizations.

Chaplain Will Smith and his wife Annie will celebrate their 70^th Wedding Anniversary on Monday, May 25^th, 2015 – Congratulation Will and Annie!

Carole and Daniel Jackson  sitting in the  bleachers  with Matt Brass from  Congressman Lynn  Westmoreland  staff sitting  behind them.  Jackson is very faithful to provide the sound system for the meetings at the Park making it possible  for everyone to hear  and  enjoy  the programs.

Here is the link to the video from Saturday by the film people

https://www.facebook.com/ChronicleProductionsGA/videos/699564923506278/