As the Memorial Day ceremony came to a close Monday at the VFW Memorial Gardens cemetery, the Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720 Commander Barry Church stood before the gathered crowd with an announcement.
“When y’all look across this valley, what do you see?” Church asked. “You see a mountain? Growth? Beauty? What you’re really seeing is a dream — a dream over 50 years in the making.”
That dream, Church explained, is the long-standing vision of establishing a permanent home for the Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720. A vision born from the hopes of veterans from World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam — one that now inches closer to becoming reality.
A vision reborn after tragedy
The journey toward this dream has not been easy. Post Quartermaster Michael Dale took the podium to recount the harrowing night in 2020 when the VFW post caught fire during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. A hard-of-hearing resident in the basement was narrowly rescued after the building filled with smoke and flames.
“We all kind of had it in the back of our minds that one day it might happen,” Dale said. “It’s been there a long time. It was sad to see it go.”
But out of the ashes came renewed purpose. Standing before the community, Church and Dale shared plans for a new Veterans Center to be built on over 70 acres at 1492 Smith Loop Road in Demorest, just across from the memorial park. This facility will serve as a gathering place, resource center, and support hub for veterans of all generations.
Honoring the past, building the future
“This was the dream of men who never got to see it built,” Church said. “We are here to carry it forward — in their honor.”
The future home will be a space for healing, camaraderie, and outreach. It will serve veterans across northeast Georgia, providing services, connection, and a sense of belonging.
“This next chapter of the VFW isn’t just about looking back,” Church emphasized. “It’s about creating something lasting for those coming home now. We must give them a place to feel seen, heard, and supported.”
A community challenge
Momentum for the project is already building. Church announced that a local corporation — choosing to remain anonymous — has pledged $5,000 toward the project and issued a challenge to others in the community to match or exceed the donation.
“If you’ve got $10, that’s $10 closer,” said Church. “If you’ve got $100,000, we’ll take that too.”
The goal is to raise $1 million to bring the Veterans Center to life. All donations are tax-deductible, and every dollar will go directly toward construction and support services for local veterans.
Dale, visibly moved, looked out over the cemetery filled with flags marking the graves of service members. “Each one of them had a story. A dream. They’re fingerprints in our history. This project is about honoring them — and helping those still among us.”
The legacy of Grant and Reeves
The new center will remain named in memory of Joseph (Joedy) Grant and William (Billy) Reeves, the post’s namesakes and local veterans who left an indelible mark on the community. Both men were killed during World War II.
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Church and Dale reminded attendees that the American dream must also include those who served to protect it.
“This Memorial Day, we honored those who gave all,” Church said. “Now, we move forward — together — for those still with us.”
Church clarified that the new center will house the VFW, American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans posts.
An official open house and grand opening will be announced in the future as fundraising efforts continue. For those interested in contributing or learning more about the project, please contact VFW Post 7720 or visit the post’s Facebook page. You may also contribute online at zeffy.com.
Donations can be made directly to:
Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720
Tax ID: 58-1047170
Let us honor the past by building a future that truly serves those who served us.
The story was updated to clarify that the new facility will not be a home for veterans but a new center for all three veteran organizations.
