Veterans at the Library hold Memorial Day event

The Veterans at the Library held a Memorial Day event Monday morning, May 26, at 8 a.m. With Chair Johnny Tapley presiding, they had 51 in attendance at the annual breakfast provided by Damin Scott and the Emanuel Medical Center. After an outstanding breakfast, they moved to Harmon Park to set up for the Memorial Day event starting at 11 a.m. The Brier Creek Artillery set up their four 6-pounder cannons on the parking lot with members of the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution Alton Oneal McCloud of the Little River Chapter, President Lee Herron of the Brier Creek Chapter, Dess Smith III of the Wiregrass Chapter, Don Bazemore of the Brier Creek Chapter and President Steve Burke of the Wiregrass Chapter manning them. Veteran Johnny Tapley and over 100 spectators gathered at the U.S. Flag in front of the park pavilion and held a short service honoring those veterans who gave their lives so that we may have the freedom we have today. Johnny welcomed everyone and had some comments about Memorial Day and then Veteran Emory Fennell said a prayer. The Brier Creek Artillery then fired three volleys with their 6-pounder cannons. After the firing, Veteran Scotty Nasworthy played taps on his bugle.

Also in attendance were the Swainsboro Fire Department with three of their trucks, including their latter truck with the U.S. Flag flying and the Swainsboro Police Department with several police cars lined up on Meadowlake Parkway with their blue lights flashing. Next year, we will be back in the Veterans and 1st responders Memorial Park located at the corner of Hwy 80 and Hwy 57.