Friday, June 11, 1999
Friday, June 11, 1999 |
Tomorrow, the city of Grantville will honor a native son for his act of heroism 75 years ago. Thomas Zellers was born in 1898 and joined the navy during the early part of the century. June 12, 1924, during a practice drill of San Pedro, Calif., the USS Mississippi suffered an explosion in the turret commanded by Lt. Zellers. Zellers and 47 others were killed, but not before Zellers opened a flood valve on a burning powder train, an act of bravery that saved the ship and its crew. Zellers' heroism was honored in 1944 when the Naval destroyer USS Zellers was launched in the lieutenant's honor. The men who served on the Zellers gather each June 12 to celebrate Thomas Zellers Day. In January of this year, the city of Grantville received a request by Howard Blessit, president of the Zellars Association, for permission for members of his organization to conduct a wreath ceremony tomorrow at Zellers' grave site in Grantville. To help commemorate the occasion, the city has obtained a historical marker from the Georgia Historical Society to place at the grave site. The Zellers Association also has donated a flagpole and monument to commemorate the burial site of the naval hero. The ceremony kicks off at 9 a.m. in downtown Grantville with a performance by the Navy band of Jacksonville, followed by drill team performances by Newnan High School's Air Force ROTC and the Marine Corp ROTC of East Coweta High School. Following a reception for the Zellers Association and distinguished guests, a parade procession starts at 10:30 a.m. and leads to the city cemetery. After the ceremony at the cemetery, the festivities start heating up with entertainment scheduled from 1 - 10 p.m. Magicians, line dancers and gospel groups are some of the entertainment options in the afternoon that lead up to an old fashioned street dance at 6 p.m. in the heart of the town. In addition to the entertainment, visitors can chow down on Georgia barbecue and watch the Little Miss/Mr. Grantville pageant. For information, call Lawana Musick at 770-834-2564.
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