Memorial Day service draws large crowd

From left, Benny Hall, representing the families of those listed on the Memorial War Monument, is escorted by VFW member Ray Garvin as he places a wreath in honor of his father, Willis B. Hall, who was killed in World War II. (Photo contributed) A large crowd gathered Memorial Day on the lawn of the Jenkins County Courthouse to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The event was hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post (VFW) #2776 as a dedication service for the Memorial War Monument recently erected by the organization on the courthouse lawn.

In opening remarks, VFW Post Commander Byron Scogins said, "We are all present to honor those brave men listed on this Jenkins County War Memorial Monument. These heroes found something to believe in greater than themselves. They were faithful to their proud heritage, upheld the tradition of honor, and left a legacy of valor."

Gen. Carlton W. Fulford Jr., U.S. Marine Corps, (Ret), a Millen native, was the guest speaker for the occasion.

Gen. Fulford served as Director of the African Center for Strategic Studies, a Department of Defense regional center, from 2003-2006. He retired form the Marines in 2003 after serving as Deputy Commander of the U.S. European Command, a position that included extensive work on U.S.-Africa relations. He presently consults with U.S. government and other private organizations on security matters.

Gen. Fulford spoke admirably of those who lost their lives defending their country and of all who are now serving in the U.S. military.

Other dignitaries making remarks included Mayor King Rocker, State Senator J.B. Powell, State Representative Jon Burns, Nancy Bobbitt of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson's office and Cong. John Barrow. VFW members and other local program participants included Dr. Maurice Crowder, Leroy and Ann Clayton, Ray Garvin, Bennie Hall, Lewis Williams, Infiniti Jones, Elbert Burke, Ed Arita, William Gunn, Don Leonard, Pam Dwight and Joe Sasser.

The names of those honored were read as follows: World War I - Frank Burke, Daniel W. Hendley, Grover McGlohorn and Albert Parker; World War II - Charles E. Anderson, Robert M. Anderson, James Bargeron, Charles E. Becton, Oliver R. Chance, Ralph Chance, G. O. Cowart, Jessee Godbee, Frank H. Goodwin, Willis B. Hall, George H. Hendricks, G.D. Jackson Jr., Ben F. Johnson, Billy K. Jones, Harry Joyner, John F. Lane, Earnest B. Lanier, W.W. Lanier, H. L. Mitchell, Dennis R. Neal, Clarance Rosser Jr., Willie J. Williams and Obie D. Willis; Korea - Robert Adams and Thomas Lane Jr.; and Vietnam - Willie L. Love, Robert L. Mosley, Clyde E. Saxon, Michael R. Waters and Jack Weaver.

The Millen Woman's Club provided refreshments following the event.