It was a day of honor to say thank you and celebrate heroes. The parking lot in Cornelia was filled with those who make a difference every day, our first responders and veterans, who made it possible for all of us to sing the National Anthem, pledge allegiance to our beautiful flag, pray, and gather together freely.
The Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720 successfully launched its inaugural Hero Festival on Saturday, August 17. From bouncy houses, rock climbing walls, magic shows, and live music to delicious food, there was something for everyone.
The atmosphere was joyful. People from all walks of life with the common thread of a belief in helping others and loving our country laughed, ate, and stopped to be present in the moment.
From young to old, people felt admiration and gratitude, camaraderie, and unity which only comes from freedom. Freedom is found in the sacrifices of our veterans and the dedication of our first responders. Barry Church, Commander of the Grant Reeves Veteran Center, recognized and thanked the first responders in a ceremony that began at 10 a.m.
“This event today is to honor our veterans and our heroes in the community – our firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers, and law enforcement. For so many years, these folks have gone without the recognition they deserve,” said Church. He added that the VFW wanted to sponsor the Hero Fest for that reason – to allow the community to celebrate them.
Honoring those who serve
Quilts of Valor were given to several veterans. These quilts are handmade to extend comfort and warmth to those who served our country.
The mission of Quilts of Valor is to present a universal symbol of thanks and remembrance to those who serve in harm’s way to protect and defend our lives and freedoms.
Quilts of Valor are made by the hands of many volunteers who wish to thank those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.
Ray Durham of Clarkesville came to celebrate with those who were being honored today. He received his quilt last year. Durham served for over 20 years in the Navy. Durham reminisced about what it was like and how much the quilt meant to him.
John Wikle was in the 1st Calvary Division in 1970 during the Vietnam War. He received his quilt Saturday.
“It’s very emotional. I’ve been a patriotic person since I was in the military. The quilt means a lot to me. I’ve been to many ceremonies to support other veterans who received the quilt, and I was pleased when my name was nominated. It means a great deal to me to receive it today.”
Gratitude
Firefighters took the time to show their trucks to the children, explaining how the equipment is placed and that every piece has a particular spot. Police officers talked and mingled with those who were there.
Bruce and Lisa Dale volunteered for the event, making balloons and painting faces for the children.
“My father was a veteran. He was actually at Pearl Harbor,” Bruce said. “I have a lot of respect for veterans. My father was in the Navy from 1939 until the war was over. The one thing he would not talk about was Pearl Harbor.”
City Manager Alicia Vaughn talked about the significance of the event. “It was very refreshing to see our community come together in such a positive way to honor our veterans and first responders,” Vaughn said. “Too often, we all are guilty of failing to acknowledge our true heroes the way we should, but VFW Post 7720 Commander Barry Church and other organizers worked with the Chamber of Commerce to make this a signature event and one that was both meaningful and memorable for all involved.”
Cornelia’s Mayor John Borrow summed up the day well: “I’m here with my family today at the Hero Festival because it is an excellent opportunity to recognize and thank our veterans, fire, police, and first responders. We are so grateful for their service and sacrifice, which have enabled all of us to live in freedom and safety.”
