Georgia War Veterans Home (GWVH) held a service Friday in honor of veterans who died in service and those who have passed over the past year.
Residents, staff, veterans, friends, and family gathered on the patio at the GWVH to pay tribute to veterans for their dedicated service to the country, state and the local community of Baldwin County.
The service began with Jane Barnard, a volunteer for the home, welcoming all those in attendance. Barnard reflected on her service to the home, which includes creating a veterans garden and singing to her father and residents at the home since 2012. Although her father has passed on, Barnard continues to volunteer.
Following the pledge of allegiance, Rev. Tyler Flowers of The Bridge United Methodist Church opened in prayer and gave a brief devotion and remark on his own experience with a friend who died in service.
“… Diego was one of the first soldiers killed in operation Iraqi Freedom and he was trying to help someone,” said Flowers.
Kim Jeanes led those at the service in singing “American Soldier” by Toby Keith followed by Master Sergeant Piper Scott Gunn, who played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
Lt. Col. Robert Shelor spoke in tribute to veterans recalling the history of soldier mistreatment dating all the way back to roman soldiers up until the Vietnam War. Shelor, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was also an educator at Georgia Military College for many years.
“There’s a long line of distinguished heroes that we can look back on and get inspiration from. We can do our best to honor them by remembering and trying to live a life as though they are watching us,” said Shelor.
Shelor went on to list the military branches by name and recognize those in attendance who belonged to each branch. In response to their recognition, each branch yelled out their designated battle cry.
Veteran residents of the home who have passed away since May 2023 were honored by having their names read aloud by the branches of the military in which they served.
Barnard also recognized the families of those veterans by thanking them for the support they gave their own soldier so they could carry out the mission of protecting the rest of us.
“It is our responsibility as citizens to remember the nation’s brave fallen heroes, the men and women, whether they died on foreign lands in the heat of battle or after a lifetime of service to our country,” said Barnard.
The service concluded with the playing of Taps by Bugler William Humphrey from Bugles Across America and the raising of the flag by Patriot Guard Riders.
Immediately following the memorial, residents and guests gathered under the breezeway for refreshments provided by The Bridge FUMC. Enhabit Home Health & Hospice offered poppy flower pins as well.
The Georgia War Veterans Home welcomes any and all who would like to volunteer at the center, whether it be providing meals, reading or singing to residents, or helping in any way possible.