Several members of the Georgia Society, Sons of the American Revolution traveled to the Veterans and First Responders Memorial Park in Swainsboro on Saturday, August 26, 2023, to participate in the event held by the Veterans at the Library, to Honor the 13 service members that were killed on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan. On September 6, 2021, 13 flags were erected on the fence in front of the Memorial Park to honor these fallen service members. Also, one U.S. Flag was erected in memory of the National Guard soldier that drowned on the Rio Grande in Texas saving two illegal immigrants that were smuggling drugs into the U.S. Border. This year's event, held at 11 a.m. was attended by more than 50 people. The event opened with a welcome from Johnny Tapley, then the invocation was given by Rev. Emory Fennell. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States, remarks were made by Johnny Tapley. Next the Rememberance of the Service Members was held by Albert Hall saying each member's name and a bell was rung by Jim McCurdy after each. A banner with each service members name was carried to the fence for the "Hanging of the Banner" assisted by members of the "Glad Garden Club". Commander Steve Burke of the Sons of the American Revolution, then held the Flintlock and Cannon Salute with a 3-round volley, 12 flintlock shots by four militia and 18 cannon shots fired by six cannons of the Brier Creek Artillery and Militia. Veteran Robert Nobles then played taps on his bugle. Afterward, Rev. Emory Fennell gave the benediction.
