GOLD STAR
MEMORIAL MARKER
DEDICATION
13 JUNE 2026
STATHAM, GEORGIA
Welcome
Speech for Blue & Gold Star Dedication Ceremony
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, honored guests,
veterans, service members, and families. I invite you to take a moment and
imagine the sound of boots on gravel, the rustle of a flag in the wind, and the
quiet strength of a family waiting at home. These are the sounds and images
that live in the heart of every service member and every loved one who supports
them. Today, we gather not just to dedicate markers of paint and metal, but to
honor the living spirit of sacrifice, courage, and love they represent.
On behalf of the
sponsors, that made these markers possible, first to Robert Wall, President of
Cable East Inc. whose generosity is greatly appreciated and who made it
possible to get the process started. To Mayor Krause and the City of Statham
for providing an appropriate space here alongside the Veterans Park Marker. To
my fellow Veterans Rick Baugh and Tim Terelli at American Legion Post 163 for
their brainstorming and help with all the leg work leading up to today’s
ceremony, and last but not least, Jan Thiese, our Blue
Star and Gold Star Memorial Marker Chairman of the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.
who helped guide us through this whole process. Jan informed me yesterday that she
could not be here today due to a family emergency.
I extend a warm welcome to each of you. We are
deeply honored to have you all with us today
to be part of this dedication ceremony.
The Blue Star symbolizes the hope, pride, and unwavering support
for those currently serving in our
Armed Forces. The Gold Star stands as a solemn reminder of the price of freedom
— honoring those who never returned home, and the families whose lives were
forever changed.
These markers are not merely memorials; they are promises.
Promises that we will remember. Promises that we will teach future generations
about the courage it takes to serve and the resilience it takes to wait, to
hope, and to carry on.
For some here today, these stars are deeply personal. They
represent a son or daughter, a spouse, a parent, a friend. They represent
birthdays missed, milestones postponed, and the bittersweet pride of service.
They remind us that freedom is not free — it is paid for in moments, in years,
and sometimes in lives.
As we dedicate these markers, let us also dedicate ourselves
— to supporting our military families, to caring for our veterans, and to
living in a way that honors their sacrifice. Let these stars be more than
symbols; let them be a call to unity, gratitude, and service in our own lives.
Thank you for being here today, for standing together in
remembrance and respect. May these Blue and Gold Stars shine as beacons of
honor in our community, reminding us always of the courage of those who serve
and the love of those who wait. God bless you all, and May God bless America.
