Memorial Marker Dedications
Saturday, September 17, 2016
The First Gold Star Memorial
Marker in Georgia
along with a Blue Star Memorial
Marker
These Dedications were conducted in Rosa Parks Square across from the Government Center in downtown Macon, Georgia. To the East of this Park is the Macon Armory Building, home of the Macon Volunteers which was constructed in 1885. This is the perfect setting for Memorial honoring Our Nation's Heroes and also the Families who have lost loved Heroes.
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| Set up for the dedication. The Markers are covered for the unveiling. The Government Center in the background. |
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| The Color Guard was provided by the Georgia Army National Guard 48th IBCT. |
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| The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. Blue Star Marker Chairperson, Jan Thiese Welcomes all participants and guests. The Invocation for the Dedication Ceremony was given by Rabbi Larry Schlesinger Macon-Bibb County Commissioner |
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| This picture and the next one show the Markers ready to be unveiled. |
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| Members of the Central High School Glee Club await the time to Sing the National Anthem. This group is Directed by Isaac Gibson |
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| Members of the Patriot Guard Riders provided the Avenue of U. S. Flags and the Service Flags. |
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| The Color Guard ready to perform. |
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| Patti Smith, President, America's Gold Star Families addressed the attendees. |
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| Andrea Little, Chairman of the National Garden Club's Blue Star Memorial Marker Program addressed the attendees. |
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| The Medal of Honor Memorial honoring Sgt. Rodney Maxwell Davis |
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| Gordon Davis, Brother of USMC Sgt. Rodney Maxwell Davis, Medal of Honor Recipient addressed the attendees. |
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| The Chairman of the National Garden Club's Blue Star Marker Program provides Certificates to the Marker's Major Sponsors The Atlanta Postal Credit Union The Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc. in cooperation with The Macon-Bibb County The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. |
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| The Unveiling of the Gold Star Memorial Marker. |
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| The acceptance of both Markers was performed by Macon-Bibb Commissioner Mallory Jones |
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| The Tribute of Flowers for each Marker was placed by Gena and Bob Courtney Proud Parents of USMC Sgt. Kelley Lance Courtney (KIA) and USMC SSgt. Donovan Eugene Courtney |
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| The program was concluded with the singing of the following words from the U. S. Navy Hymn, "Eternal Father" by Alan F. E. Thiese: "Lord, guard and guide the men who fly And those who on the ocean ply; Be with our troops upon the land,... And all who for their country stand: Be with these guardians day and night And may their trust be in thy might." |
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| A group picture of all the participants for the Dedication. |
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| The Chairman of the National Garden Clubs, Blue Star Marker Program, The President of America's Gold Star Families and the President of the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. |
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| The Families of the Gold Star Heroes along with Patti Smith, on the left and Andrea Little. |
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| Members of the Davis Family. |
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| Gena and Bob Courtney |
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| The Gold Star Memorial along with the Wreath. |
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| The Blue Star Memorial along with the Wreath. |
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| Macon-Bibb also had the Government Center (formerly the Macon City Hall) appropriately adorned for the Dedication Ceremony. |
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| This is a view of the Rosa Parks Square with the Markers and the Medal of Honor Memorial and our Flag with the City Auditorium in the background. |
