City of Smyrna Memorial Day Ceremony
The City of Smyrna will be holding the Memorial Day ceremony at the 20th Century Veterans Memorial on May 25, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
The Smyrna ceremony is organized by members of the community and it is those members of the community who officiate. Join us on this day to honor and appreciate our commitment to peace through strength and sacrifice.
Seating will start at 8:30 a.m. and pre-ceremony/ceremony activities will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Smyrna Community Center (200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna, 30080).
The ceremony is sponsored by the City of Smyrna and coordinated by the Smyrna Veterans Committee, an organization composed of the City of Smyrna, The Veterans Memorial Association of Smyrna, and American Legion Post 160. The ceremony is a public event and all are invited to attend and participate in this memorial service to honor those who have sacrificed in defense of our nation.
- Guest speakers will be Sergeant Grant McCarry, who was deployed five times to Iraq and Afghanistan, and LTC (Ret) Keith Antonia, who was inducted in 2009 to the Ranger Hall of Fame.
- 116th Army Band, Georgia National Guard, will provide music throughout the ceremony.
- 94th Air Lift Command Honor Guard will present the Colors, render Honors and play Taps.
- There will be static displays of equipment and vintage vehicles to tour behind the Veterans Memorial around the fountain at the Community Center.
Six wreaths laid for the fallen:
- 1st Wreath is for WWI and will be laid by the Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 160
- 2nd Wreath is for WWII and will be laid by the Veterans Memorial Association of Smyrna
- 3rd Wreath is for Korean War and will be laid by the American Legion, Post 160
- 4th Wreath is for Vietnam War and will be laid by the Cobb County Chapter of the Gold Star Mothers
- 5th Wreath is for the Persian Gulf War and will be laid by American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 160
- 6th Wreath is for the War on Terrorism and will be laid by the City of Smyrna.
You can show your support for local veterans and their families by participating in the Distribution of Poppies organized by Smyrna’s American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 over the Memorial Day Weekend:
Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24
10:00am – 2:00 pm – Kroger (South Cobb Drive) – 3240 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080
Kroger (South Atlanta Road) – 4715 S Atlanta Road Smyrna, GA 30080
Walmart (East-West Connector) – 1133 EW Connector SW, Austell GA, 30106
Memorial Day, Monday, May 25
9:30 am – 10:30am – 20th Century Veterans Memorial, 2800 King Street, Smyrna, GA 30080
12:00 p.m. – Barbeque Cookout at American Legion Post 160, 160 Legion Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080 (Open to the public)
A community barbecue cookout following the ceremony will be hosted at 12:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 160–160 Legion Drive. Menu includes pulled pork plates with two sides ($8); pulled pork sandwiches with chips and applesauce ($7); and Smoked Pork Butts ($25) to bring home.
To purchase a paver for the Memorial, please access the form – Purchase a Paver (information is contained in a brochure about the Memorial).
[where: 30080]