Memorial Day Observed in Stephens Co.

Stephens County marks Memorial Day.

The annual Memorial Day observance took place Monday morning on the lawn of the historic Stephens County Courthouse in downtown Toccoa.

Again this year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4346, U.S. Marine Corps League Currahee Mountain Detachment 1303, and American Legion Post 104 organized the observance.

Rick Hack with the VFW said Memorial Day is about more than a day off from work.

“We are honoring those who died,” said Hack. “Today, we honor the citizens of Stephens County who gave the ultimate sacrifice for not only their county and their beloved city, but for the state of Georgia and the United States of America,” said Hack.

The guest speaker was retired Toccoa Police Chief Jackie Whitmire.

He talked about the experiences of his father and his wife’s father, who both served in the military, as well as the effect his father’s service had on him growing up.

Whitmire said he was honored to speak to those in attendance.

“I cannot express what it means to me,” said Whitmire. “I almost choked up one time and I really got teared up during ‘Taps.’ I am still wiping my eyes, but it means a lot to be able to come tell about those men and what they gave, but also that they got to come home and make a life and support their community and church and raise a family and make a living, when so many did not get to come home.”

Whitmire said that growing up, his father instilled a strong sense of patriotism in him and his sister.

He said we need to instill that same patriotism in children and grandchildren today.

“I think it is just so important for the future of our country,” said Whitmire. “It is important to support our veterans, support our troops. It is important to be a good citizen of this country and this community. I got it growing up and it instills the value of service not only to your fellow man, but to your community and your country too.”

Whitmire said that people also need to support organizations locally and elsewhere that are trying to do just that.

Monday’s Memorial Day observance in Stephens County also included a laying of wreaths by numerous organizations in honor of those who lost their lives in service to the nation, a reading of names of Stephens County residents who died in service to America, a 21-gun salute, the playing of “Taps,” and a presentation of colors by the Stephens County High School JROTC Color Guard.