Local residents and dignitaries gathered Sept. 26 for the dedication of Falcon Field Veterans Memorial Park.

The new plaza, situated in front of the Aviation Center, is designed to be a memorial to all military members, veterans and their families.

“We are here to honor and thank those who have sacrificed for our freedom,” said Peachtree City Airport Authority Chairman Mike Brady as he welcomed those attending the ceremony. “This memorial has become an outstanding example of how citizens and businesses can come together.”

That melding of effort and concern by the two groups resulted in raising approximately $300,000 for the memorial project, with Chick-fil-A providing the initial funding.

Those providing remarks included Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, memorial project manager Ted Mallory, Chick-fil-A’s president, Dan Cathy, Fayette County Commission Chairman Jack Smith, Peachtree City Mayor Harold Logsdon, state School Superintendent Kathy Cox and others. Also in attendance were Rep. Matt Ramsey, Fayetteville Councilman Larry Dell and many current and former members of the military and their families.

The various speakers acknowledged the high degree of selfless participation required to serve, the sacrifices made by service members and their families and the gratitude of a nation that is kept free by those who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way.

Perched above the plaza is an F-16A Fighting Falcon. The plane was donated to Peachtree City on Dec. 23, 1998 by the U.S. Air Force. The F-16A was built by General Dynamics and was delivered to MacDill Air Force Base in November 1980.

The plaza also features a monument plaque and an 18-inch wall in the shape of a half-oval complimented with brick pavers.

Colors were posted at the event by the Sandy Creek High School JROTC Color Guard. And throughout the ceremony music was provided the McIntosh High School Band.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dan Cathy sounded “Taps.” The notes filled Veterans Memorial Park and coincided with the approach of four Cobra helicopters from the south. Their flight near the clouds was brought home in the formation of the Missing Man.