Old Soldiers Day Sees Small,

But Appreciative Turn-Out

The weather didn’t look that good on Old Soldiers Day, Saturday, Aug. 2. But the rain held off for the 30-minute morning ceremony recognizing the importance of the day and the laying of a memorial brick along the Walk of Memories honoring World War II vet, Major Paul L. Lowry (Sept. 7, 1916 – Oct. 29, 1994). Click Here.

Thanks to the members of the Legion, the SAL and the Auxiliary who helped with all the day’s activities which included: the morning program; the noon bar-b-cue meal; staffing the membership renewal and volunteer sign-up tables; and the close-of-the-day video about the untold story of the Vietnam War.

Also a special “Thank You” and shout out must go to: 

• The Alpharetta City Band’s brass ensemble unit;

• Georgia Department of Veterans Services staff members Shelly-Ann Simpson and Tonjala Moton-Williams; 

• Georgia National Cemetery staffers Chris Ra and David Williams; 

• Scott Childress who served as master of ceremonies; and,

• Guest speaker-State Representative Chuck Martin

The brass ensemble’s music added an element of elegance and style to the morning ceremony which only comes with live music. The four veterans affairs experts stayed relatively busy during the early afternoon providing thoughtful and responsive answers to vets who were seeking advice or counsel on various personal concerns. Martin’s thoughtful comments on the reason for the day testified to his deep understanding and appreciation for the role members of the armed forces have played in the nation’s history. And Childress’ brief quiz on the background story associated with the words of the Star Spangled Banner enlightened many in the audience.

The Post’s immediate Past Commander Tom Billings shot a 33 minute, un-edited video on the ceremony which is posted on YouTube (click here to see). The brick laying can be seen at 27:14 the tape; “Taps” to close the ceremony is at 27:50, and the brass ensemble’s rendition of John Philip Sousa’s beloved composition, The Stars and Stripes Forever, can be found at the 29:25 point on the video.

Also check out the Post’s Facebook page (click here) to see some OSD photos.

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Post Awards 3 High School

Seniors $1,500 Scholarships

At Post 201’s General Membership on Tuesday, June 17, three young women, all graduating high school seniors, were presented $1,500 scholarship checks from the Post to help with their continuing education. The recipients were: Raleigh Lynn Blanton, Creekview HS; Anna Donges, Innovation Academy; and Azlyn Walker, Roswell HS.

Blanton plans to pursue a degree in pediatric nursing at Georgia Southern University, Statesboro; Donges sees a degree in Computer Science and Cyber Security from University or Georgia, Athens in her future; and Walker plans to earn a degree in petroleum engineering from Mississippi State University, Starkville.

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic standing which includes accumulated grade point average, class ranking, participation in school and community activities, and writing a 300-500 word essay on the subject of “Patriotism and Citizenship – What America Means to Me”.

Pictured above are (left-to-right) Scholarship Chair and Past Commander Tom Billings along with scholarship recipients Azlyn Walker, Anna Donges and Raleigh Lynn Blanton.