Friday, January 18, 2002
|
Friday, January 18, 2002 |
|
Organizers of Memorial Day ceremony seek local items for surprise presentation Organizers of fourth annual Peachtree City Memorial Day celebration are seeking items from Peachtree City residents to be part of a "surprise" that will be unveiled at the ceremony. Randy Gaddo, Memorial Day coordinator, said city officials will be keeping a tight lid on exactly what the surprise will be. The item will be unveiled and featured at the 2002 Memorial Day celebration May 27. "It will consist of the items from everyone who contributes, and it will become a treasured expression by Peachtree City residents of national pride and patriotism," he said. "In the wake of the national tragedy that occurred on Sept. 11, this will provide an opportunity for city residents to give a symbol that expresses their personal memory of someone who has died in service to the United States." Jan Zink, local resident and cochairman of the Peachtree City Recreation Commission, will coordinate the development of the surprise. "Beginning immediately, we will be accepting items from Peachtree City residents," said Zink. "We're looking for items that in some way commemorate a loved one or friend who died in service to our country. These items will become part of a larger, permanent commemoration that will reflect our civic pride in honoring those who have paid the ultimate price to give us our freedom." Memorial Day is celebrated each year to remember those who have died while in service to the United States. This not only includes the military services, but also other federal agencies such as the CIA or FBI, local law enforcement agencies and others who serve for the greater good. This will also include those killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, since those people are considered the first casualties in the war on terrorism. "We want to make sure people understand that it is not only the military services who defend our freedom on a daily basis," said Gaddo, who is a retired Marine. "Everyone has a part in the freedom process, and we want to memorialize them all in this community symbol of national unity and resolve." Examples of items being sought are military medals, unit patches, letters, military or government service memorabilia, photographs and other items that in some way memorialize a person or group of people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Zink will have the final word on whether a contribution is acceptable. The final size of the surprise depends on the number of contributions, and Zink stressed that items will not be returned. "Please don't contribute an item that is irreplaceable or that you want returned," she said. Gaddo said the final product will be permanently displayed in public buildings such as the library. There are guidelines on what can be contributed. "We are looking for relatively small items," Zink said. No items, including photographs, should be larger than eight by 10 inches in diameter, and no more than three inches thick. Items can be delivered to the Recreation Department at 191 McIntosh Trail from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Contributors are asked to have a sheet of paper attached to each item giving the name, address, phone number and a brief explanation of the item and its significance. For information phone 770-631-2542.
|
||