Friday, April 13, 2001
Friday, April 13, 2001 |
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Peachtree City Prepares for 3rd Annual Memorial Day Celebration
City Hall Plaza in Peachtree City will ring with the sound of marching music, drums and bagpipes, rifle salutes from a Marine Corps ceremonial firing detail and much more May 28, all part of the city's third annual Memorial Day celebration. The Peachtree City VFW, the PTC Kiwanis and the city of Peachtree City sponsor the event. The primary location will be City Hall Plaza, and in the event of inclement weather, it will be at the First Presbyterian Church across the street from City Hall. Event organizers say that each year they try to add a little something more to the event. "This year we're adding a ceremonial firing detail who will fire a 21-gun salute in honor of those who have died in service to our nation," said event coordinator Randy Gaddo. He added that there will also be military weapons and equipment displays, flag details, music by Music Alive, essays read by students and a prominent guest speaker. Preliminary events will begin at approximately 7:30 a.m. with a golf cart procession from the Gathering Place to City Hall Plaza. Music will begin at the City Hall Plaza at approximately 7:45 a.m. The ceremonial portion of the event begins when the golf cart procession arrives at the plaza and is ushered in by VFW and Marine Corps JROTC color guards and martial music. The theme for this year's celebration is "Pay any price; bear any burden" honoring those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. "Memorial Day gives those of us who enjoy the freedoms this nation offers an opportunity to honor all those who have sacrificed their lives to achieve that goal," said Gaddo. "While the military certainly has played a key role, there are also others who have done so in other arenas, such as the diplomatic corps and other foreign services," added Gaddo, who is a retired Marine. In keeping with the event theme, an essay contest is being held for fifth through eighth graders living in or attending schools in Peachtree City. First and second overall winners will receive $100 savings bonds, and third place will get a $50 bond. Winners at other levels will receive gift certificates and letters of congratulations signed by the mayor, the VFW commander and the president of the Kiwanis Club. The top three winners will read their essays aloud at the celebration. For information on the essay contest, phone Bernice Wassell at 770-631-2542. Guest speaker will be Tommy Clack, a man who has sacrificed much in service to his country. Clack, an Army veteran, served in Vietnam as a forward observer. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart Medal, two Air Medals and other personal awards. He was severely wounded May 29, 1969, in a firefight on the Cambodian border. He lost both legs above the knee, all of the right arm, had internal injuries and loss of hearing. He spent 21 months in hospitals, 18 of them at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, going through 33 operations. He left the VA Hospital in March 1971. Since the injury in Vietnam, he has spent two and one-half years recovering from 50 associated operations. But he overcame what could have been devastating self-pity and traveled America as a public speaker for the past 29-plus years. He has spoken more than 100 times per year, and has been in all 50 states addressing businesses, churches, civic and professional groups and schools. He speaks on life's experiences, Americanism, patriotism and Vietnam. He is currently the field office manager of the VA office in Conyers, with the responsibility for veterans' services for three counties. "Mr. Clack has certainly paid a heavy personal price to preserve the freedom we, as Americans, often take for granted," said Gaddo. "I believe he will bring a very special perspective and a poignant message to our celebration." The event is free and open to the public. "We hold the event early so that people can celebrate the true meaning of Memorial Day and have the rest of the day to enjoy the freedom of spending time with family and friends," Gaddo said. For information phone the Recreation Department at 770-631-2542.
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