Page 66 - Tattnall County

A recent visit with relatives in Vidalia, Georgia aforded me the honor of attending a Veterans’ Memorial Service at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, Georgia. I had been told upon arrival in Vidalia we might attend this

service, I was looking forward to it.

Te morning of the service was cold, damp, and cloudy; a pretty dreary day by anyone’s standards. We bundled up and made the short trip to Glennville to fnd a good crowd had braved the gloomy weather to honor those interred in this

cemetery by laying a wreath at each headstone. I was surprised when asked to join my fellow Veterans at a recognition ceremony that was part of the service. All Veterans in attendance, both past and present, stood before the crowd and were given cards with verses of appreciation

written on them.

We, Veterans, were then aforded the honor of being the frst persons to be allowed to place a wreath at the headstone of a fallen soul. I received my wreath and walked slowly toward a random stone. I was a bit surprised at the sense of sadness that came over me. Yes, this was a solemn occasion, but why was I fghting back tears? Afer all, I had never met nor known this individual on whose grave I was about to place a wreath. I came to the realization that each of these stones, regimented so neatly in their rows represented a human being who made the ultimate sacrifce that I might stand free on this chilly day. I thought, “…but for the grace of God, I could just as easily have been in one of those unfortunate souls’ shoes.” I was suddenly reminded of the horrendous price we Americans have paid for our freedom. What I received from this experience was a new respect and appreciation for our fallen heroes. Even in death, we are still gleaning benefts from them. I learned that, prior to this experience, I could only see with my eyes. Tis day, I learned

to see with my heart!