“I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me”

Lee Greenwood

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Monday’s gray skies and steady rainfall dampened the day just a bit, but it did not dampen the spirit of those who gathered to celebrate Memorial Day at Dawson County’s Veterans Memorial Park.

Some huddled close together under a tent, others under umbrellas. Some stood unprotected against the rain but solemnly bowed their heads in prayer as Captain Vic Wallace, USMC, delivered the invocation. The crowd had come to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation and no amount of rainfall was going to chase them away.

There were many veterans in the crowd. Some had served in Viet Nam, Iraq and Afghanistan. They threw their shoulders back and stood at attention as the American and POW/MIA flags were raised. Many had lost comrades in combat and they were clearly moved at the playing of taps. They understood better than most that freedom is not free.

The remembrance ceremony was coordinated by the Veterans Affairs of Dawson County. SFC Wayne Watkins, US Army, retired, welcomed the crowd and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Col. Don Brown, US Army retired and Alan Ferg, USMC, dedicated the “Fallen Soldier Battle Cross” statue.

The cross is a memorial to a fallen or missing soldier, consisting of the soldier’s boots, bayonet, helmet, rifle and sometimes dog tags. It was a project of the Veteran’s Affairs of Dawson County. Local artist Alan Ferg designed and sculptured the statue.

Members of the Dawson County High School JROTC provided the presentation of the American flag and POW/MIA flag as well as the service branch flags, the Missing Man Table and the Laying of the Memorial Wreath.

JROTC Leadership was provided by Major Robert Wiley, retired,  and SFC Steven Pamplin. The student cadre included LTC Nathan Umberger, Maj Andrew Burns and CSM Noah Stapp.

Dawson County Commissioners were among those who honored America’s fallen heroes Memorial Day.

DAWSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL JROTC