The Veterans at the Library and the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution held the 1st Veterans Wall Dedication and Liberty Tree Dedication event on Saturday, November 7, at the Veterans & 1st Responders Memorial Park in Swainsboro, at 8 a.m. attended by around 25 members of the Veterans at the Library and SAR Chapters with a breakfast provided by the Emanuel Medical Center.
The group then moved to the First Methodist Church to attend the funeral of Veteran Jim Dekle's wife, Linda S. Dekle.
After the funeral, the dedication ceremony began at 2 p.m. at the Veterans & 1st Responders Memorial Park. Chair Johnny Tapley opened the event with a welcome, and after the invocation by Veteran Lenard Richards and the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag by Veteran John David Bailey, a Recognition of Existing Monuments was held by calling out the names by Veteran Julian Sconyers and tolling of the bell by Veteran Wayne Scott.
The dedication of the 1st Veterans Wall was done by Veteran Scotty Nasworthy and the unveiling of the wall was accomplished by Veteran Bob Ladocsky, Jr. and Veteran David Hill. A three round volley was then fired by the five six-pounder cannons by Commander Steve Burke and the Brier Creek Artillery. Taps was then played by Grayson Brassell of the Swainsboro High School Band on her bugle.
Next, Veteran and Compatriot Dess Smith III dedicated the 250th Sons of the American Revolution Liberty Tree, followed by the Brier Creek Artillery firing "Rolling Thunder" by their five six-pounder cannons.
Closing remarks were made by Veteran Dess Smith III and the Benediction was said by Veteran Malachi Lockett. The dedication event was attended by approximately 150. Veteran Jim McCurty of Swainsboro loaned the event his bell that Veteran Wayne Cannady tolled after each monument was called out.
