White County residents took time to honor service members who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom during Memorial Day ceremonies in Cleveland and Helen.
The Roy Head Post 16 of the American Legion sponsored the ceremony in Cleveland. Legion Commander Mike Allen, during the ceremony at Freedom Park, also recognized two individuals for their service to the legion.
Willard Stamey received a 70-year certificate. Stamey was unable to attend, but Allen presented the award to his wife Ann and daughters Kim Sosebee and Sonja Luna. Allen awarded a 50-year service certificate to Sam Craven.
Commander Allen also recognized the service of Eddie Allen; even though he did not serve in the military, he always assisted the legion during their programs by playing the trumpet and bugle. Eddie passed away recently.
Commander Allen said the support of the community is important.
“I just appreciate everybody who cares; I appreciate the people who participate in our service every year. We do this every year, and we read off all the names that we can get of people who passed away this past 12 months.”
Legion Chaplin Rev. Dave Fortner read a list of service personnel who have passed away since 2022. To conclude the program, the White County Color Guard fired a 21-gun salute, and Chad Browning played taps in honor of all who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Helen remembers
In Helen, the Northeast Georgia Veterans Society hosted a crowd of about fifty people who turned out at Veterans Memorial Park for a special Memorial Day program.
The crowd included veterans and their families and members of the community.
Organizers set up a Missing Man Table for the ceremony, signifying the absence of those servicemen and women who have died serving our country.
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