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Randy Martin, Jr.'s "GI Security Blanket"
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - The Pike County American Legion, Post 197 held a Veterans Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 2014 on the square in Zebulon. The colors were posted by the members from the Pike County Sheriff's Office, and members of the community joined together in a show of patriotism to honor all veterans and their families during this ceremony.
The community and those who have served remembered the sacrifice and hardships of those who have served in the military as well as the sacrifice of their families as their loved ones serve this country. Members of each branch of the services raised their hand when their service anthem was played. 103 year old Rufus Durrah was recognized for his presence at the ceremony as well. Randy Martin, Jr. brought Mr. Durrah from Barnesville over to the Veterans Day ceremony on the square.
Commander Bill Payton, Sr. said that America would not be America without our veterans. "Veterans have given us freedom, security, and the greatest nation on earth," he said.
A beautiful red, white and blue wreath was placed at the Veterans' Monument in honor of veterans. All past, present, and future veterans were honored during this ceremony. Pictured with the wreath are Peggi Payton who is a local Legion member as well as the President of Pike County Unit 197 and the 4th District Historian as well as the 2014 Legionnaire of the Year, Melissa Patten who sang the National Anthem and the Second Vice for Pike County Unit 197 and the 4th District Chaplain, and Willa Payton who is the 4th District Page to the President.
A special flag ceremony was held to honor 1st Lt. Robert (Eugene) Oxford who has been missing in action since 1944 when his plane flew on a routine mission in the China, India, Burma Theatre during War World II and never arrived at its destination. Concord native Eugene Oxford was officially declared Missing In Action (MIA) by the American government in November of 1944. This flag will be part of the dedication ceremony held on December 6, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Pike County Middle School Library on U.S. Route 19, Zebulon (next to Ruth's Restaurant) where the Pike County American Legion Post 197 will host an Induction Ceremony of First Lieutenant Robert Eugene Oxford into the Pike County Memorial Annex. The Oxford Family will be guests of honor and the Pike County community is invited to share in honoring 1st Lt. Oxford and the Oxford Family at this ceremony.
Click here to read about last year's Induction Ceremony at the Pike County Memorial Annex.
Pike Post 197 holds its regular monthly meetings on the first Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Pike American Legion Post 197 located at 645 Meansville Street in Zebulon. Those who have served are invited to attend. Pike Post Auxiliary meets at 6 p.m. This is for female relatives of veterans. There is a break for a meal between the two meetings. Sons of the Legion meet on the 2nd Sunday at 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact Commander Bill Payton, Sr. at 770-468-4177.
Pike Post 197 and Prayer Power of Georgia hold a short service to offer thanks and prayers for our military on the first Monday of every month at 12:00 noon at the Veteran’s Memorial on the Pike County Courthouse grounds. The public is invited to attend.
Left: Rufus Durrah raises his hand as he is recognized at the ceremony. Randy Martin, Jr. stands behind him and Robert E. Adams, Jr. stands beside him.
Right: Pictured with the wreath are Peggi Payton, Melissa Patten, and Willa Payton.
