‘Every name will be remembered’
A roll call of sorts was held at last week’s groundbreaking of what will soon become the Veterans Memorial Wall at River Park. Upon the wall will be inscribed:
﹣ The names of 79 Gold Star veterans who gave their lives for our country
﹣ A listing of prisoners of war
﹣ Purple Heart recipients
﹣ Veterans who fought in historic battles
﹣ The names of those killed in war and interred overseas
﹣ As well, many veterans who did return and are still alive today
Jennifer Anderson of the Gilmer Veterans Memorial Committee announced that the planned memorial wall — which is hoped to be finished by Memorial Day — “will stand as a physical expression of our gratitude” to those who have served in the military.
“It will honor veterans whose names have been submitted by families here in Gilmer County, some with deep local roots and others who chose this community as their home,” she told around 50 citizens who gathered at Gilmer Veterans Memorial Park. “This memorial represents their service and sacrifice, and ensures the legacy of those who wore our nation’s uniform will never be forgotten.”
Anderson noted two individuals who helped make the groundbreaking on a brisk winter day possible.
“Sandy Lyons first envisioned the Veterans Memorial Park, and he worked tirelessly so that we had a place where our community could gather to honor those who served,” she said. “His vision is the reason we are here today … (and) the reason we have the Veterans Memorial Bridge behind us. We also remember veteran Don Murray, who helped establish and move the project forward. Though he’s no longer with us, his leadership and commitment remain part of this foundation. We’re deeply grateful for their vision, their service and their belief that Gilmer County should have a lasting tribute to its veterans.”
Anderson told veterans in attendance, “You are the reason we are here — you were called to serve in times of peace and times of war. You carried the weight of a free nation on your shoulders. You bore sacrifices that most of us cannot fully understand, and many of you still bear that weight. We, as a nation, owe a debt we cannot repay. But we can promise you this — we will never forget, and today we take the first step to making that promise visible.”
She added that every name to be etched on the Gilmer Veterans Memorial Wall “tells a story of an American hero — and every name will be remembered.”