The Memorial Day commemoration Monday in Fairburn was set with a backdrop that featured the Old Campbell County Courthouse, more than 200 in attendance and countless American flags waving in the spring breeze.

The commemoration began at 10 a.m. at the old courthouse at east Broad Street and Cole Street. The presentation of colors was performed by the Department of Georgia VFW Honor Guard.

The guest speaker for the event was ret. Maj. Gen. Larry Taylor USMC. 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 was Master Sgt. 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 was 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 continued with a parade through downtown and on to Holly Hill Cemetery. The VFW Ladies Auxiliary placed a wreath at the World War I monument, followed by a 21-gun salute by the honor guard and taps.



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