Debbie and Wade Patterson receive recognition for their support of the Clay County Veterans Park. Wade was also a keynote speaker for the Memorial Day service and ceremony.
By Becky Long
Publisher
Clay County residents turned out en mass in a display of reverence for the nation’s war dead during a service and dedication on Memorial Day. The event was also a time to celebrate and honor all who served as the day marked the dedication of the long awaited Veterans Park at the ballfields.
VFW Commander John Clodfelter looked out over the sea of people, which some estimated numbered 400 to 500, and underscored the solemnity of the occasion by encouraging everyone to remember the fallen soldiers and their families. “Our true heroes,” he said. “They gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Guest speaker, life-long member of VFW Post 6812 and Vietnam Veteran Wade Patterson underscored Clodfelter’s comments. “We come here with heavy hearts and a debt of gratitude,” he said. Patterson discussed the history of Memorial Day which began as Decoration Day. He said after WWI ended and Americans suffered the greatest loss of lives, Decoration Day was established. “Memorial Day is a day for the living to remember the sacrifice of the fallen,” he said. The service included the reading of “Flanders Fields” and placing of the flags by the Honor Guard along with performances including the ever popular “Amazing Grace,” sung by Annie Lloyd; and patriotic hymns from Keith Bragg and Marilyn Dore. Placing of the wreaths, folding of the flag, a gun salute and raising the American Flag to full staff marked the importance of the day.
The service transitioned to the dedication portion of the Clay County Veterans Park which has been in the works for three years. It was a joint effort among many, including the donors who contributed, contractors and veterans. It was coordinated by county government spearheaded by Betty Bradley, American Legion Post 532 and VFW Post 6812.
Commission Chairman Rob Peck noted the brevity of the day. “Today, we gather on this reverent ground at the Clay County Veterans Park to dedicate a place of honor, reflection, and gratitude — a lasting tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation,” he said.
“While we dedicate the Clay County Veterans Park this Memorial Day, we do so without overshadowing the profound loss Memorial Day commemorates. As witnessed by the service which preceded this dedication, Memorial Day is a solemn but proud moment to recognize those that gave all,” Peck said. “While we dedicate this park we do so carefully respecting the day’s focus on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.”
In closing Peck said. “I invite you to look upon this park and see not just a monument, but a promise — a promise to remember, to honor and to live in a way that upholds the values our veterans fought for. May this Clay County Veterans Park stand for generations as a beacon of gratitude and a reminder of the price of liberty.”
Bradley, who received a plaque of appreciation for “pouring her heart and soul” into the project summarized how the park was born from an idea in 2022. “A small group of veterans from the American Legion Post 532 and VFW Post 6812 met with the Clay County Board of Commissioners and decided the time had come to make that dream a reality. A partnership was formed and we put wings on that dream,” Bradley said.
“Obstacles we faced was the lack of an appropriate location and funding. We overcame the location by finding the serene setting that the park is on today that honors all who served and are serving in the military.
“Clay County Commissioners enlisted the services of Chuck Holmes, a veteran and architect with CDH Partners in Marietta, Ga. to design the park. Thank you for your personal devotion to this project.”
Bradley recounted that once the commissioners approved the site which was on Clay County property, the committee began its fund-raising efforts and along with the architect developed a design for the park. Cork-Howard construction was enlisted to build the park.
She said the purchase of bricks to memorialize veterans gained momentum and donations from individuals and businesses increased. “For almost three years, the partnership spent many hours raising funds to build Phase I of the park,” said Bradley.
“A groundbreaking ceremony was held in the fall of 2023 and construction began on July 1, 2024, continuing until today. It has been an amazing adventure,” she said. “I hope each of you have a celebratory and uplifting feeling when you see where your contribution went because your generous gifts have made a difference. Our goal is to also have additional signs to honor, Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, POW/MIA, the story of “Taps” and the Flag Folding ceremony.
“I would just like to say thank you because this park represents the strength in our American military men and women and their service to our country. Today, our county and nation honors all veterans with gratitude,” Bradley concluded.