May 30th Proclaimed as Thomas Darden Lipford Day in Heard County

Front center is Thomas D. Lipford; Standing (L-R): Lee Boone, Chairman, Heard County Board of Commissioners, Betty Lipford, Mack Lipford, Lawrence Lipford, Cathy Lipford, and Matt Brass, Georgia State Senator, District 28. In attendance but not pictured were: Pamela Ann Lyle, Regent, James Stewart Chapter, Carla James Brown, Jane Davis Barker, Julia Folsom Saint and Teresa Chapman. (Photo: Hope Cole)

(Franklin, GA) — Members of the James Stewart Chapter, NSDAR, joined together with Lee Boone, Chairman, Heard County Board of Commissioners, to proclaim Thursday, May 30, 2019, as Thomas Darden Lipford Day in Heard County.

The Proclamation was drafted by members of the local DAR chapter to recognize Mr. Lipford on his 100th birthday.  

Lee Boone, Commission Chair, signed and then read the proclamation to chapter members and the Lipford family members in attendance.  Also in attendance to this event was Matt Brass, Georgia State Senator representing District 28.

Thomas Lipford’s proclamation recapped only a handful of his many accomplishments over the past 100 years.  The heartfelt wording of this proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS: Thomas Lipford was born on May 30, 1919, in the Town of Franklin, Heard County, Georgia; and

WHEREAS: Thomas Lipford answered the call of service to his country by serving in the U.S. Army Corps in World War II from August 2, 1942 to November 19, 1945, serving in the Pacific theatre.  During his military service, he received the American Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal with silver and bronze star, and the Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS: Upon his discharge, Thomas Lipford heeded President Harry Truman’s statement, “We now look to you for leadership and example in further exalting our country in peace”, by coming home to marry Lucille Simmons, becoming a partner in Lipford Grocery and Hardware, graduating from Emory University, and raising two sons, Lawrence Thomas and Mack Donald; and

WHEREAS: Thomas Lipford’s love of country and the citizens of Heard County is reflected by his service as a member of the Heard County Board of Education, Chairman of the Board of Education, Deacon for the First Baptist Church of Franklin for 57 years, Sunday School Director for 29 years, and served as a Trustee for the Rockbridge Baptist Assembly; and

WHEREAS: Thomas Lipford has lived during the most eventful century of this world’s history and continues to influence and inspire multiple generations with his dedication to American values, and spirit of selfless service and sacrifice; now

THEREFORE: I, LEE BOONE, Commission Chairman, Heard County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 30, 2019, as THOMAS DARDEN LIPFORD DAY in Heard County and invite all citizens to gratefully acknowledge and recognize his outstanding citizenship and patriotism.

In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of Heard County to be affixed this 22nd day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen.

Mr. Lipford was overwhelmed by the honor bestowed by Heard County and the NSDAR and is looking forward to seeing all his friends at his birthday party on May 30th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Franklin.

The DAR is a service organization with chapters around the world. Honoring our local veterans, our students and members of the Heard County community are just a few of our many activities throughout the year.  

You may also contact the chapter directly at (770) 856-3354 to speak to a chapter representative. The dedicated women of your local chapter prefer to wear their work gloves and leave their white gloves at home.