It will be far from the usual Memorial Day commemoration where a small group of people gather in a cemetery or public place to remember local military heros. The Memorial Day Commemoration in Fairburn May 28 will be anything but ordinary.

The commemoration will begin at 10 a.m. at the Old Campbell County Courthouse at east Broad Street and Cole Street. The presentation of colors at the courthouse and a 21-gun salute at the completion of the event will be performed by the Department of Georgia VFW Honor Guard.

The guest speaker for the event will be Maj. Gen. Larry Taylor USMC (Ret.). Taylor was recalled in 2001 to assume command of the Marine Corps Reserve Support Command for the mobilization of reservists in Operation Enduring Freedom. Among others to make remarks will be MSgt. Conchita Floyd, currently assigned to the 94th Communication Flight at Dobbins. Floyd served in Kosovo and with the 380th Expeditionary Mission Support Group in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Music at the courthouse will be provided by the 116th Army Band. Founded in 1859, the 116th is the only Army National Guard Band in Georgia and the oldest military National Guard or Reserve Band in the United States.

The commemoration will continue with a parade through downtown and on to Holly Hill Cemetery. The VFW Ladies Auxiliary will place a wreath at the World War I monument, followed by taps and the 21-gun salute.

The Memorial Day event is sponsored by the City of Fairburn and Fairburn Business Association.

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