(Forsyth County, GA) As Americans prepare to celebrate the long holiday weekend with cookouts and trips to the lake or beach, the City of Cumming commemorated those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The 2022 Memorial Day Ceremony was held on May 27 at the City’s Veteran War Memorial.
Surrounded by dozens of billowing American flags, Mayor Troy Brumbalow and Colonel (retired) Dennis Brown provided a welcoming statement and opening remarks.
After a memorial wreath presentation by Susan Hopkins and Linda Jones of the VFW Post 9143 Auxiliary, Pastor Lance Stinespring from Free Chapel gave an invocation before leading the crowd in singing the National Anthem and God Bless America.
Brigadier General John Gentry Jr. gave the keynote address.
“Memorial Day is a vivid reminder of the price that has been paid for our liberty,” Gentry said. “And it's also an appropriate time to reflect on the burdens shared by those who left behind and the impact that loss has on our families, workplaces and communities. People leave a footprint, their contributions make a difference and their loss leaves an impact.”
Avenue of Flags Dedication
Since May of 1995, American flags have been added to the Avenue of Flags along Veterans Memorial Boulevard to honor those who gave their lives for their country. They are donated by the deceased veterans' friends and/or family.
“Some of the flags are for soldiers killed in action,” Brown said. “Some for those who served in times of war, some for prisoners of war and still others who served in times of peace. All of whom are honored with a military funeral at their passing in acknowledgement of their service in the United States of America.”
During the ceremony, seven new flags were added to honor 11 veterans.
Veterans pay tribute
Among those in attendance was Fred Dorazio, who was just 18 years old when he went to fight in World War II. He fought at the Siegfried Line in Germany when he was wounded and stuck behind enemy lines for two nights and three days in freezing weather. He suffered severe frostbite on both feet.
Today, he attended the ceremony with his daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Jim Curry, who is a veteran of the Vietnam War.
After a rifle salute and the playing of Taps from the Forsyth County Fire and Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard, the event was concluded with a White Dove Release Ceremony, provided by Nancy Kay Duncan of Georgia Doves.
Children from Cub Scout Pack 7153 and American Heritage Girls Troop GA0413 also contributed to the ceremony.
If you have a news tip in Forsyth County, contact Justine Lookenott at justine.lookenott@newsbreak.com.
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