Rain, restrictions didn’t dampen Veterans Day program

  • The Gilmer High School Chorus sings “America The Beautiful” under the direction of Hannah Carter.
    The Gilmer High School Chorus sings “America The Beautiful” under the direction of Hannah Carter.
  • Lions Club President Sam Burrell welcomes attendees to the event, which was held in a new location this year.
    Lions Club President Sam Burrell welcomes attendees to the event, which was held in a new location this year.
  • During his address, guest speaker U.S. Marine Col. Michael Nunnally, of Blue Ridge, discusses the role of the American people in democracy.
    During his address, guest speaker U.S. Marine Col. Michael Nunnally, of Blue Ridge, discusses the role of the American people in democracy.
  • Scott Eaton, Ellijay First Baptist Church’s minister of music, raises crowd spirits when singing “God Bless the U.S.A.”
    Scott Eaton, Ellijay First Baptist Church’s minister of music, raises crowd spirits when singing “God Bless the U.S.A.”
  • Members of the local Civil Air Patrol composite squadron perform their placement of colors.
    Members of the local Civil Air Patrol composite squadron perform their placement of colors.
  • The Gilmer High School Band performs a program of patriotic music.
    The Gilmer High School Band performs a program of patriotic music.
  • Gilmer High student Sydney Eadie was one of four buglers who played “Taps” in sucession at the event.
    Gilmer High student Sydney Eadie was one of four buglers who played “Taps” in sucession at the event.
  • Col. Tom Hamilton, left, and Dorsey Summers, right, represent the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, respectively, in the ceremony’s color guard.
    Col. Tom Hamilton, left, and Dorsey Summers, right, represent the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, respectively, in the ceremony’s color guard.
  • George McClellan performs “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes as the program concludes.
    George McClellan performs “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes as the program concludes.
  • Event attendees receive curbside service from Ellijay Lions during a complimentary lunch for veterans and guests that followed the program.
    Event attendees receive curbside service from Ellijay Lions during a complimentary lunch for veterans and guests that followed the program.
  • Marine Col. Michael Nunnally, right, bows his head in prayer as Fred McGill, chaplain for Ellijay’s American Legion Riders, gives an invocation during an honorary Veterans Day program held at the Lions Club Fairgrounds Wednesday, Nov. 11.
    Marine Col. Michael Nunnally, right, bows his head in prayer as Fred McGill, chaplain for Ellijay’s American Legion Riders, gives an invocation during an honorary Veterans Day program held at the Lions Club Fairgrounds Wednesday, Nov. 11.
  • Attendees who’ve served in different branches of the U.S. Military stand to be recognized during the event.
    Attendees who’ve served in different branches of the U.S. Military stand to be recognized during the event.

Guests from the local community and school system joined the Ellijay Lions in honoring Gilmer County’s veterans Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Lions Club Fairgrounds. Seating for the special Veterans Day program and luncheon was moved beneath the venue’s covered pavilion due to a heavy chance of rain, but, fortunately, clearer skies prevailed. The theme of the honorary program was “Freedom To Live.”