Last week, Georgia Military College (GMC) honored those who gave their lives to service through its Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony and Memorial Day parade.
On Tuesday, GMC honored Peace Officer Memorial Day, which takes place during National Police Week. The day pays tribute to local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
“It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. It is a time to honor their courage, dedication, and selflessness, while also recognizing the profound impact their loss has had on their families, colleagues, and society,” wrote GMC on its Facebook page.
Lt. Col. Scott Seagraves served as the ace master of the ceremony and welcomed everyone to begin Tuesday’s events.
Seagraves gave a brief history on the national holiday before taking a moment to honor two local peace officers.
“Two members of the GMC family have perished while standing guard in our midst.
Today we remember GBI Special Agent in Charge John T. “Sonny” King and Baldwin County Deputy Sheriff William E. Robinson, IV,” said Seagraves. “Since we last gathered in May, of 2022, 159 peace officers have perished nationwide, including 11 in the state of Georgia.”
Seagraves took a moment to list each Georgia peace officer by name who had perished.
GMC not only wished to honor their lost lives but their service to the state.
“Today we are honored to be surrounded by men and women who serve to protect us…those who run towards the sound of violence, into burning buildings and use their medical knowledge to save our lives. Ladies and gentleman, thank you for the service to our community,” said Seagraves.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Brian Hargrove was the special guest speaker of the ceremony.
Hargrove addressed the fifth graders first and told them the story of Robinson's courage and told them to honor his sacrifice by being courageous and kind. To the middle school students, Hargrove described the service of the Free Burman Rangers and the story of its founder Dave Eubank. He encouraged the students to love as Eubank loved the people he served and as his nonprofit does today and to remember that even on the bad days, there are ways to show love and compassion. To the high school students, Hargrove recalled graduates of GMC and spoke about their different choices to serve. He stated to them that no matter how they choose to serve, they should remember they each have a duty to make the world a better place.
“I hope each of you leave this ceremony with a refreshed appreciation for our law enforcement officers and I hope these stories are remembered by all today,” concluded Hargrove to the audience. The ceremony concluded with the laying of a wreath at the campus flagpole to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives to protect. At noon on Tuesday, the wreath was transported to the Memory Hill Cemetery.
On Friday, GMC began the day with the Remember the Fallen Run with the 144th Junior College Corps of Cadets. The one-mile trail honored 88 GMC alumni who lost their lives while serving their country from World War I to the Global War on Terror. Following the run, GMC hosted its Memorial Day Parade on Grant Parade Field.
Senator Blake Tillery, representative of Georgia’s 19th District, served as the keynote speaker.
GMC concluded its annual parade events with these two ceremonies in honor of all who have fallen, who will serve and continue to serve.