Friday, March 22, 2002
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Friday, March 22, 2002 |
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Items sought from residents for special Memorial Day tribute Peachtree City residents are being asked to donate special items for a special tribute that will be unveiled on Memorial Day to commemorate those who died serving their country or from other causes later on. Items will also be accepted to memorialize groups or units that experienced losses, including victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. Examples of items being sought are military medals, unit patches, letters, military or government service memorabilia, photographs, dogtags and other items that in some way memorialize a person or group of people who have served or have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Items must be no larger than 8x10 inches in length and no more than one inch thick. Donated items will not be returned, according to officials. While the design of the tribute is a close-kept secret, officials have indicated it will be handcrafted. The surprise will be unveiled at the city's annual Memorial Day celebration, scheduled for May 27 at City Hall Plaza at 7:45 a.m. It will later be permanently displayed in public buildings such as the library. Jan Zink, who is coordinating the project with fellow Recreation Commission member Johnny Inman, 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 stresses that items will not be returned. "Please don't contribute an item that is irreplaceable or that you want returned," she said. Items may be altered slightly in order to make them suitable for the purpose. Items for the tribute can be delivered to the Recreation Department at 191 McIntosh Trail from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Contributors will be asked to fill out a form with information about the submission. The Recreation Department reserves the right to conduct verification of authenticity of items submitted. Inclusion of items may be limited by design and final selection will be at the discretion of the artist. For more information call the Recreation Department at 770-631-2542. Randy Gaddo, who is coordinating the celebration, said the idea is to provide a way for people to express their patriotic spirit. The items don't need to be limited to any specific time frame, he added. "Items can depict service going back to the Revolutionary War if desired," Gaddo said. "We want to make sure people understand that it is not only the military services who defend our freedom on a daily basis. Everyone has a part in the freedom process and we want to memorialize them all in this community symbol of national unity and resolve."
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