Nick Snider has some very specific ideas on the subject of patriotism.

So specific in fact that he conceptualized the National Museum of Patriotism in 1996. He purchased a 20,000 square foot building on the corner of Spring and 18th streets in Atlanta to house it and the doors to this one-of-a-kind museum opened on July 4, 2004.

Snider, who is a retired senior vice president of United Parcel Service, will be the guest speaker at Peachtree City’s Patriot Day celebration at Falcon Field on September 15 from 10-11 a.m. He will focus his comments on everyone’s role as American citizens.

“No matter who you are or what station in life you hold, every citizen has an important role to play as an American,” he said. Noting the diverse nature of the American culture, he likens patriotism to the glue that holds the country together. In his definition of patriotism, he not only specifies the importance of understanding and embracing the price paid for freedom, but also includes community service. “It’s all part of the umbrella of patriotism,” said Snider.

Throughout his life, Snider has practiced what he preaches. In 1963 he enlisted in the United States Army at age 21. “I enlisted because it was something that I needed to do…I had three brothers who had served and I felt it was a responsibility I needed to bear,” he recalled.

Later, he was accepted for an officers program and headed off to infantry officer’s school at Ft. Benning, Ga. and became a reserve officer.

In 1965 he turned in his green uniform for the brown of United Parcel Service. “The company was run along similar lines as a military organization, so it was a perfect fit for me,” he noted. He spent 33 years with UPS and would eventually work his way up the ladder to senior vice president.

Among other career highlights, Snider is known for building and developing the UPS worldwide volunteer program. He was awarded the first national UPS Corporate Community Service Award, which is now presented annually. In 2005, the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution presented him their Medal of Honor. They recognized Snider as an “outstanding American citizen who has served his country with distinction and as an exemplary leader who has made patriotism, citizenship and civic engagement a labor of love.”
Snider also serves on the Atlanta USO Board of Directors and is a lifetime collector of patriotic artifacts, including WWII Sweetheart jewelry, of which he owns the largest collection in the world.

Peachtree City will host a Patriot Day celebration that will be significantly different from years past and will actually coordinate three distinct events. This year Patriot Day will be start at 10 a.m., Sept. 15 at Falcon Field, adjacent to the Dixie Wing of the Commemorative Air Force hangar. This is a free family event and is open to the public.

The one-hour Patriot Day celebration will coincide with the Georgia Military Vehicle Preservation Association’s (GMVPA) annual Fall Rally being held Sept. 14 and 15 at Falcon Field. This event brings vintage military equipment, weapons and memorabilia from throughout the southeast. In addition, a local high school student is organizing a Freedom Walk to commemorate events of Sept. 11, 2001.

By Presidential Proclamation, Patriot Day is a day to remember those who were murdered by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001, and a day to celebrate American Patriotism. “The positive message we hope to convey is one of remembrance, patriotism and pride in being Americans,” said Peachtree City Patriot Day organizer Randy Gaddo, who is also the city’s director of parks, recreation and library services and a retired Marine.

Gaddo said he approached the board of the GMVPA with the idea of coordinating the events and they readily accepted. “It seemed like a natural fit,” Gaddo said of the partnership. “These men and women who work to preserve and display vintage military equipment are all active patriots.”

The Freedom Walk is an idea brought to Gaddo by 16-year old Caitlin Dillon, a Sandy Creek High School student. The “America Supports You Freedom Walk” is an event first started in 2005 by Pentagon employees to commemorate the terrorist attack on that Washington D.C. building and to honor lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

What began as a small gesture has become a new national tradition. Last year, more than 135 Freedom Walks of all types and sizes were held across the U.S. to honor victims of Sept. 11, reflect on the freedoms we possess in America and pay tribute to our veterans, past and present.

Dillon walked last year in the Newnan Freedom Walk. She was moved by the emotion of the event and thought one should be held in Peachtree City. “I have been greatly affected by September 11, and have many family members serving currently; it would be an honor to be able to put on this walk in my community,” said Dillon, a member of Peachtree City Christian Church.

Those interested in walking can register their name and how many will be attending by emailing ptcfreedomwalk.com. The walk is slated to start at the intersection of TDK and Dividend in Peachtree City and end one-mile later at the site of the Patriot Day event. Parking will be available in the surrounding business parking lots and buses will shuttle people back to their cars.

Bands from Rising Star and Whitewater middle schools will provide this year’s music. “We are excited to have middle school youth involved in this event,” said Gaddo. “We try to involve our youth in as many patriotic events as possible so we can emphasize to them how unique our nation is and how important it is to support and defend our freedom.”
For more information call the Peachtree City Recreation Department at 770-631-2542.

login to post comments