The public is invited to attend a patriotic Memorial Day service that returns to the Ellijay Veterans Memorial Bridge site Monday, May 31. The service will begin at 11 a.m.
The veterans bridge area inside Ellijay’s River Park, which also includes a paver display and a walkway-in-progress, has been the longtime setting for an annual Memorial Day ceremony paying tribute to America’s military men and women who gave their lives while serving their country.
“It’s a service in commemoration of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We know it’s a big extended holiday, but we’d love for folks to just take a few minutes to honor those who it’s for,” said event emcee Russell Hood.
A Memorial Day service was not held at the bridge site last year due to the pandemic, noted Hood.
“It’s an open space there and people can spread out,” he said about the outdoor setting located between the Ellijay Lions Club and Gilmer Saddle Club Arena.
Hood said the guest speaker for the event will be Gilmer County Chief Magistrate Judge Kevin Johnson, a former U.S. Marine and Georgia State Patrol Trooper and post commander.
An honor guard will also be participating, noted veterans bridge founder Sandy Lyons.
“We invite all veterans and anybody (else) to come and take part in this service,” added Lyons.