Wednesday, November 7, 2001
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Wednesday, November 7, 2001 |
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Fayette plans to honor vets in a big way By DAVE HAMRICK
Fayette veterans are planning an exhibit of military vehicles in the spirit of the traditional Armed Forces Day as part of a celebration of Veterans Day in Fayetteville Saturday. American Legion Post 105 in Fayetteville and VFW Post 9949 in Peachtree City jointly sponsor the event. (Veterans Day is Sunday, Nov. 11, but some government offices will be closed Monday, Fayette County among them. Fayetteville, Tyrone and Peachtree City will be open as usual on Monday.) "Not only will the public get a chance to examine vintage WWII vehicles that have been restored; they will also be able to see some of today's military vehicles," said Robert Ladd, Post 105's historian. "This is an opportunity to experience living history by talking with veterans who used this equipment in combat." The display will offer a close-up view of restored World War II and Korean War vehicles from the Georgia Military Vehicle Preservation Association, and WWII soldier's field displays provided by the National Military Historical Association. A Vietnam-era 101st Airborne "Loach" OH-6 scout helicopter will e flown in by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation (www.armyav.org). Georgia National Guard Troop E, 108th Cavalry in Griffin, and the 166th Maintenance Company in Jackson will display their equipment and vehicles as well. "We ant to rekindle the memory of our former veterans and perhaps more importantly to instill in our young people the sacrifices made by many for the freedoms we have today," said Ladd. "What more appropriate time to offer these lessons to the next generation than now, with our nation under attack." Ladd pointed out that, in addition to the Sept. 11 events, 2001 is the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. The equipment display will be at Heritage Square next to the County Administrative Complex, 140 Stonewall Ave., Fayetteville, and will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A special service will be conducted 10 - 11 a.m. to honor veterans. Also, a short memorial service is planned for Sunday, Nov. 11, 10:30 - 11 a.m.
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