About 200 people gathered in the gym at Herman C. Michael Park on Hog Mountain Road on Monday (May 25) to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in foreign wars and recognize the sacrifices of their families.
The program had been scheduled for the Veterans Memorial at the entrance to Oconee Veterans Park across the street from Herman C. Michael Park but was moved indoors because of the weather–the third year in a row the program was held indoors because of bad weather.
The gym at Oconee Veterans Park–used last year and the year before–was unavailable this year because of repair work underway.
Guest Speaker Master Sgt. Randy McElwee, U.S. Army retired, told the crowed that “My eternal gratitude goes to our fallen heroes and their families for their ultimate sacrifice.”
As is usual, the program solemn highlight was the Roll Call.
Sgt. Maj. Mark Saxon, U.S. Army retired, called out the names of the 39 Oconee County residents killed in action. Their names are listed on three plagues at the entrance to the Veterans Memorial.
Saxon, who is an Oconee County Commissioner, in a loud, crisp military voice, recognized the nine from Oconee County killed in action in World War I, the 22 who lost their lives in action in World War II, the two from the Korean War, the three from the Vietnam War, the one from the War in Afghanistan, and the two killed in action in the War in Iraq.
Details Of Program
The program began with the lighting of memorial candles and was followed by a presentation of colors by Revolutionary War reenactors representing the Georgia Society, Sons of the American Revolution.
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| Daniell 5/25/2026 |
Cubby Cooper performed the Star Spangled Banner, which was followed by a Pledge of Allegiance to the flags born by the reenactors.
Rev. Larry Davison acknowledged the Gold Star Families, who were asked to stand for recognition.
Oconee County Board of Commissioners Chair John Daniell read a proclamation from the Board naming May 25, 2025, Veterans Memoriam Foundation Day to honor the work of the Foundation in creating and maintaining the Veterans Memorial.
“Let us carry the memory of these valiant soles who purchased freedom for us with their lives and strive to honor their memory with moments of quiet reflection,” Guest Speaker McElwee said of the 39 persons on the Oconee memorial. “Never forget their courage. Never forget their sacrifice. And never forget that freedom is not free.”
Following Saxon’s Roll Call, the reenactors fired a musket salute.
Palmer Hartly then performed Taps, ending the program.
Video
The short video below includes clips from the program, which began at 11 a.m. and lasted a little more than an hour.
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