The Veterans at the Library met Monday morning, April 17, 2023, at the Franklin Memorial Library at 9:15 a.m. for their weekly breakfast. With Leader Johnny Tapley presiding, there were 30 in attendance including two new veterans, Lee Jones, Jr. and J. W. Gross. The main topic of discussion was the upcoming planning for December 16, 2023 "Wreaths Across America". Last year they placed over 1,500 Wreaths on veterans' graves that are buried in Emanuel County cemeteries. That just included about 15 cemeteries of the more than 172 cemeteries in the County. The Veterans at the Library need churches, individuals, and organizations to select a cemetery in the county, and let them know who is responsible for the cemetery with a cell number and name, tell them how many wreaths are needed and send a check to P.O. Box 478, Swainsboro, GA 30401 made out to Wreaths Across America as soon as possible. That person will be responsible for picking up their wreaths on Thursday or Friday, December 14, or 15, and placing them on their veterans' graves. You can call 478-494-4113 and speak with Jane Durden if needed. The two new veterans and their service are as follows: Lee Jones, Jr. served in the U.S. Army from July 1967 to July 1969. His highest rank was a Drill Sergeant E-5. He was stationed at Fort Jackson, Fort Sill, Fort Lee, Fort McClellan, and Fort Bragg. He was a drill Sgt with the 82nd Airborne Division and 3rd Army. J.W. Gross served in the U.S. Navy from May 1966 to May 1968. His highest rank was PO-3. He served on the USS Tanner AG-575 and a tour in Vietnam and Hawaii. Thanks to both for their service.
