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ZEBULON - On Sunday, 11 November 2018, the Pike County American Legion Family hosted the Pike County Veterans Day Program and 100th Anniversary Celebration of the WWI Armistice at the south side of the Pike County Courthouse Square in Zebulon, Georgia. The Pike County Middle School 8th Grade Band played beautifully, and 12 year old Sara Jones read her essay, "What Veterans Day Means to Me.” She was presented with a $100 check and a certificate for winning this essay contest from Pike Post 197.
A special remembrance was held at this program to remind us that at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, 100 years ago marked the end of World War I referred to back then as the “The great war to end all wars. Historian of the Pike County America Legion Post 197 Bryan Richardson read an educational article entitled “World War I and It’s Impact on America.” (You'll be able to read this in its entirety when my article is completed.)
Everyone gathered at the Pike County Veterans Memorial for a special portion of the program which includes a Memorial dedication, special flag raising and lowering ceremony, the posting of the memorial wreath, and the playing of Taps.
The latest addition to the Pike County Veterans Memorial is Vernon E. Slade, a native of Pike County who died in France during WWI. Vernon Slade and eight other local Pike County area service members listed on the monument who died in the line of duty while serving in support of the United States in WWI will be inducted into the Pike County Memorial Annex at 2 p.m. on December 1, 2018 at a ceremony in the Pike County School Auditorium.
There was a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the WWI armistice to raise and lower a special United States Flag that will be a part of a WWI dedicated wall in the Memorial Annex along with the shadow boxes of all our WWI inductees. This special flag had the initial honor of being the casket flag for deceased Pike County native Rex Yerkes, a United States Army Korean War era Veteran. The Color Guard for this special ceremony consists of Post 197 Steve Huckaby and Matt Germain, Squadron 197 Jedidiah Payton, and Unit 197 Willa Payton.
Sara Jones assisted Dr. Gleaton, and Commander Harmon who represented our veterans across the nation in the laying fo the wreath at the Memorial. Nathan Forde a member of the 8th Grade Band, played Taps in honor of all who have died serving our nation and defending the freedoms that we enjoy today.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this program, all who attended, and all who have served our country in peace and times of war.
[Note from the Editor: The complete photo album is on Facebook and can be accessed by clicking here.]
ZEBULON - On Sunday, 11 November 2018, the Pike County American Legion Family will be hosting the Pike County Veterans Day Program and 100th Anniversary Celebration of the WWI Armistice at the south side of the Pike County Courthouse Square in Zebulon, Georgia. The public is invited to attend this special event commencing at 2:00 p.m.
The Veterans Day Program recognizes and honors America’s military Veterans, extends our Nation’s appreciation, and pays tribute to all deceased Veterans. Also, the Program will focus on WWI and its impact on America.
Highlights of the Program are the Pike County Middle School 8th Grade Band playing our National Anthem, Armed Forces Medley, and Stars and Stripes Forever; winner of the Pike County Schools Essay Contest (“What Veterans Day Means to Me”) and guest speaker to be announced as part of the Program; special ceremony in honor of this year’s Pike County Memorial Annex WWI induction candidates; and the posting of a wreath at the base of the Pike County Veterans Memorial and the “Taps” played by Nathan Forde.
Please join the community as we say “Thank you” and show our appreciation to current active duty military and Veterans past and present for defending the freedoms that we enjoy today.
Seating is limited, so the public is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs. Inclement location is the main courtroom in the Courthouse.