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Remembering and Honoring Our Veterans
BY CHARLICE BYRD
Each summer, I look forward to spending more time with family and friends. I always enjoy Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and celebrating what makes our country great.
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While celebrating our independence on the Fourth of July, it is a good time to reflect on Memorial Day. The last Monday of May is the day we honor and remember Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. I was reminded recently, while reading an article about Arlington National Cemetery, about how important it is for us to honor the lives of veterans and make sure no one is forgotten. I was struck by the sacrifices so many made to make our country great, and I was overwhelmed by an immense sense of patriotism and love for our nation.
There is more we can do to honor veterans and their families in Cherokee County. The Georgia National Cemetery was established in 2006 in Canton. The 775-acre cemetery was donated by a private citizen in 2001, and will serve veterans for many years to come. The site lies in between Cartersville and Canton, near the Etowah River, and offers beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Allatoona.
The cemetery is owned and operated by the National Cemetery Administration under the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs, but a nonprofit volunteer advisory council maintains the cemetery. Other than visiting, there are ways we can support those volunteers and the veterans they honor. Consider participating in the Wreaths Across America program and the Memorial Day Observance and National Vietnam War Veterans Day events.
This program, and these events, are dedicated to making Georgia National Cemetery a proper final resting place for military veterans, spouses and children. However, it’s not only about supporting our troops and their families through the dignity of a proper burial and resting place; it’s important also to educate future generations about the lives of our fallen heroes. Consider visiting the Georgia National Cemetery this summer, during this season of celebrating freedom. I am so thankful to the brave soldiers who served our country, and to those and their families that serve now. God bless America!
