Congressman Says Memorial Day Reflects National Commitment

Memorial Day is a day of national commitment not to forget those who lost their lives in defense of the country, Rep. Jody Hice told a crowd gathered Monday at the Oconee Veterans Memorial in Oconee Veterans Park.

Hice thanked those who turned out to honor “those who have given their lives” and their families who have suffered the loss as well.

The program, which lasted more than an hour with temperatures in the mid 90s, drew a crowd of about 150.

Included was a Presentation of Colors by the Athens Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and a Roll Call of the 39 fallen in Oconee County since World War I by Oconee County Commissioner Mark Saxon.

David Kilpatrick, a member of the Board of Directors of the Oconee Veterans Memorial Foundation, gave the welcome and introduction.

Grace Holland Givens read the war poem, In Flanders Fields.

Hunter Grayson gave a music performance, as did Alex and Joy Boskoff.

The program ended with a musket salute and taps.

For more on the story, with a video that includes the complete comments of Rep. Hice, please go to Oconee County Observations.