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.”
