Local Veterans honored at Centralhatchee Park

Heard County High School Veterans Day Chorus members (L-R): Mykala Henry, Destanee Massie, Samantha Williams, Samantha Baker, Hunter Bloodsworth, Joseph Webb, Kalaeb Trammell, and Charity Abrahamson (Photo: Heard High Chorus)

(Centralhatchee, GA) — An assembly was held near the Veterans Memorial at Centralhatchee Park Saturday morning for a special Veterans Day celebration in honor of local Vets.

The program featured the Heard High School Chorus, Laying of the Wreath, and keynote speaker G. Allen Hllman, the 5th District Jr. Vice Commander of the American Legion.

The event kicked off with a welcome from Centralhatchee Mayor Barbie Crockett and an opening prayer by Mike Crockett.

The stunning Centralhatchee Veteran’s Monument is located in the middle of the city park and features a sitting area, flags, and engraved benches honoring those who served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.

The Laying of the Wreath was handled by Mr. Larry Denney and Mr. David Neighbors.

The National Anthem was performed by the HCHS Chorus. Chorus members included Mykala Henry, Destanee Massie, Samantha Williams, Samantha Baker, Hunter Bloodsworth, Joseph Webb, Kalaeb Trammell, and Charity Abrahamson.

Centralhatchee council member Walt Wiggins then led the assembly in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Durrell Langley, Adjutant of Heard County American Legion Post 148, next introduced the keynote speaker, Vice Commander Hillman who delivered remarks about the meaning of Veterans Day.

HCHS Marching Brave trumpet players Daniel Burgos and Jesse Workman performed a moving rendition of “TAPS,” and to close out the program, the Chorus sang “God Bless America.”

Mayor Barbie Crockett was very pleased with the program and thankful to the many that helped make it possible.

“We are so thankful for everyone that plays a part in this day each year especially our local students and school groups that are always so eager to help us. This is our fifth year having this special event and I can’t say enough how proud I am of our Town of Centralhatchee and Heard County,” says Mayor Crockett.

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Adjutant Durell Langley was thankful for the success of the event and hopes to see more people supporting local Vets in the future.

“We had a good showing of Veterans today and heard a good speech from Vice Commander Hillman about what today means to both current and past Veterans,” said Langley.

“If there are any Veterans out there reading this please don’t forget to support you local American Legion Post 148. Several of our Veterans have died this year and our groups is growing older so we could really use some new members. For everyone out there please remember to thank a Veteran on Veterans Day — it doesn’t matter what they did.”

The Town of Centralhatchee will be hosting The Vietnam Moving Memorial Wall at the park next year from Thursday, October 28, 2021 until Monday, November 1, 2021.

The Moving Wall was originally scheduled to be at the Park this fall but was postponed until 2021 due to COVID-19.

For more information about the membership and community work of American Legion Post 148 call Durell Langley at 678-575-6945.