Veterans Park Committee honors veterans at Pearl Harbor Day program

The Douglas-Coffee County Veterans Park Committee hosted the second annual Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 10 AM at the Douglas Municipal Gene Chambers Airport. The Veterans Park Committee conducted a moving, patriotic ceremony which included recognition of WWII veterans (Charles Warnock and Richard McLeory) as well as all veterans. 

After the Presentation and Posting of Colors by CHS NJROTC, students from Citizens Christian Academy’s 3^rd, 6^th, and 10^th grade along with soloist, Brensley Waldron, sang the National Anthem. Students from First Academy led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Coffee Middle School student, Sophia Harris, who is the 1^st place winner of the American Legion Post 515 and American Legion District 12 5^th Grade Essay Contest read her winning essay titled “What America Means To Me”. Sophia is the daughter of Diana Harris and her family members have served in the military for many generations. Veterans Park Committee Chairman Ed Coleman presented a speech about Pearl Harbor and the impact December 7, 1941 had on Americans. The conclusion of the program included “Taps” played by Mr. Steve Myers and the lowering of the American Flag by CHS NJROTC. 

Following the program, those in attendance and the school groups visited with Veterans and learned military history from real-life heroes in attendance. Mr. Tim Oliver, retired Air Force pilot, military historian, and a WWII Living History Reenactor presented a Pearl Harbor Day Exhibit and spoke with attendees about the war.

Special thanks to Mayor Tony Paulk, CHS NJROTC, American Legion Post 515, Citizens Christian Academy, First Academy, Sophia Harris, and Steve Myers.