Their school is named after a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and their teams are nicknamed The Patriots. That makes it all the more fitting that Wilbanks Middle School in Demorest has become a focal point of local Veterans Day celebrations.
This year was no different.
Although delayed because schools were closed Friday, the ceremony Monday morning was powerful in its youthful display of respect and admiration.
Approximately 30 veterans and family members attended the event. During the hour-long ceremony, several students read poems. The choir sang of patriotism, dedication, and sacrifice.
Habersham County School Superintendent Matthew Cooper delivered remarks to an audience of about 200 students, faculty, and parents. He spoke of the sacrifices veterans have made through the years to secure America’s freedom. During his presentation, he recognized local World War II veteran Garnett Burrell. Burrell, one of the few living veterans of that era, was a tank buster during the war.
Barry Church served over thirty years in the U.S. Army. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. Like so many other veterans, Church carried his public service into civilian life, serving as Habersham County’s Emergency Management Agency and E-911 Director for a number of years. His wife, Linda, is a retired county school teacher. The couple attended Monday’s ceremony and were impressed by the event.
“Wonderful program! Each year, the students and faculty go above and beyond to present a fantastic program for the veterans,” Barry says.
Also in attendance were Alan and Pat Dewitt. Wilbanks Middle is named for Pat’s brother, Hilliard A. Willbanks, a U.S. Air Force pilot who was killed while saving U.S. soldiers in combat during the Vietnam War.
