Wednesday, May 23, 2001
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Wednesday, May 23, 2001 |
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Memorial Day ceremony set in Peachtree City By RANDY GADDO
Patriotic music, live echo taps, a 21-gun salute and a performance by a former Marine Corps Silent Drill Team rifleman will highlight the third annual Peachtree City Memorial Day Celebration May 28, beginning at 8 a.m. The day begins at 7 a.m. Monday at the Gathering Place with coffee and doughnuts prior to the 7:30 start of the golf cart procession to City Hall Plaza. This event is open to the public, who can join in the procession that winds around Lake Peachtree, crosses the golf cart bridge on Ga. Highway 54 and enters the plaza led by color guards marching to the beat of martial music. Last year there were more than 150 golf carts in the procession. The event at City Hall Plaza will kick off with a performance by the Naval Pipes and Drum Ceremonial Detail from Naval Air Station, Atlanta. Featured in this performance will be a demonstration of precision rifle drill by a former member of the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, world renowned for its weapons handling skills. Music Alive, a local group that has attained regional notoriety for its quality performances, will perform featured music. Two members of the local VFW will play "Echo Taps," a haunting salute to those who have died in service to their country. The pipes and drum will play "Amazing Grace" as the VFW places the memorial wreath at the foot of the VFW Memorial. Hundreds of entries have been received from local school children in the Memorial Day Essay Contest. The three top winners will read their essays and receive their awards during the ceremony. The event will be highlighted by the words of Tommy Clack, a decorated Army veteran who served as a forward observer in Vietnam. He was severely wounded May 29, 1969, losing both legs above the knee and one arm. He earned the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart Medal, two Air Medals and other personal awards. He has since become a national speaker and advocate for veterans affairs. More than 500 attended the ceremony last year. Event organizers are hoping for more this year. "We hold the event early in the day so people can celebrate the true meaning of Memorial Day and have the rest of the day to enjoy with freedom of spending time with family and friends," said Randy Gaddo, coordinator. The local VFW post and Kiwanis Club and the city of Peachtree City sponsor this celebration. For information phone the Peachtree City Recreation Department at 770-631-2542.
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