Although August 21 seems like any other summer day, what many don’t realize is that its symbolic of something on a much deeper spectrum. In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly, established the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism to be commemorated annually on August 21, to honor and support the victims and survivors of terrorism and to promote and protect the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
It's heartbreaking; the fact that we live in a world that knows so much fear and trauma. What’s even worse is the fact that this fear has become a learned psyche that keeps us on guard when we’re not sheltered in our homes. Fear resonates within our minds whenever we go out in public. It invades the excitement we feel when we attend baseball games, parades, or concerts, with our family and friends. It seeps into our thoughts when we send our children to school and prevents us from completely enjoying life all together. It’s unfair that we must constantly take these thoughts into consideration, but the evil truth of the matter is that terrorist acts can occur anywhere in the world, including right here in the land of the free.
From the staggering loss of the 2,977 innocent lives that were taken on September 11, 2001, to the horrific 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 U.S. service men and women; no matter who you are or where you are, when you hear of another hate crime, it stops you in your tracks, and you’re instantly reminded of one of those inconceivable days that invaded our television screens not so long ago. It always hits too close to home.
On the occasion of this important Remembrance Day and for the entire week, we are encouraging everyone to join us as we honor the lives of those who have been impacted by acts of terrorism. Furthermore, we would also like to recognize our local veterans who have worked diligently to create a serene place to honor these victims; the Veterans and First Responders Memorial Park, that’s located here in Swainsboro. Since 2021, the Veterans, with the help of the Glad Garden Club, Mrs. Sherri Watt and the staff of the Franklin Memorial Library, the community service workers, the recreation department, and many other local volunteers and businesses, have worked diligently to provide a peaceful, public sanctuary for all to enjoy that also serves as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of every individual who laid down their life for our freedom and safety. Additionally, it also serves as a place of honor and remembrance to the innocent lives that were senselessly lost through acts of terrorism. Through their relentless determination and efforts, the Veterans and First Responders Memorial Park officially opened to the public in 2023 and has since become one of the most beautiful parks in our county.
Situated in the heart of the park is a wall dedicated in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Directly across from this monument, is a granite structure with two silver beams soaring from its center. Upon closer inspection you’ll discover that within this piece of granite is a glass shadow box that holds a portion of bronzed steel that was taken from the site of the World Trade Center after it collapsed on 09/11/2001. The words inscribed in the stone below this breathtaking memorial admonish all those who see it to never forget what the monument represents.
On August 26, our Veterans will have a commemorative ceremony and will be placing 13 American Flags around the gate of the Veterans and First Responders Memorial Park as well as a banner naming the 13 victims of the 2021 Kabul airport bombing. During this ceremony, local veteran, Mr. Johnny Tapley, will be reading the names of these 13 service men and women and a moment of silence will be held for each with the ring of the memorial bell.
When asked what this park represents to our veterans and our nation, Tapley said:
“This park is almost the equivalent to us as Arlington National Cemetery is to the country. We want to take care of it because it’s not only an important part of our community but is symbolic of our local men and women who served our country and sacrificed their lives for our own. It’s also symbolic in how it remembers the innocent who died on those tragic, unforgettable days. They deserve the recognition, and we are going to continue to work hard on maintaining this park so that we can provide that for them.”
If you would like to pay your respects to these victims and to the victims of terrorism, the Veterans invite you to attend Saturday’s memorial ceremony. You can also help by donating to the Veterans and First Responders Memorial Park by contacting Miss Sherri Watt at the library at (478) 237-7791.
The Veterans and First Responders Memorial Park, is located on West Main Street across from Fordville and next to Shop Rite Pharmacy. More detailed information on the Veterans and First Responders Memorial Park, will be included in the upcoming Emanuel County Welcome Guide Magazine, so stay tuned!
