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 70th Wedding Anniversary on Monday, May 25th, 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