Event recognizes sacrifice, service

When Columbia County Commission Chairman Jim Whitehead had a vision 10 years ago of a Memorial Day weekend event that would not only remember the fallen who have served our country, but would also recognize the service of those who still are with us.

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That's how the Red, White and Blue Veterans Celebration came about. Set on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the event has become an unapologetically patriotic event honoring the sacrifice of the dead and the service of the living.

This year's ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m. Saturday on Charlie Norwood Freedom Plaza in front of the Justice Center in Evans, will celebrate that service with music, speeches and fireworks.

But it also will send a symbolic message to the families of all Columbia County service members who are no longer with us. This year, the families of three veterans who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam and who died in the past year have been chosen to receive recognition at the ceremony.

These men symbolically represent all veterans, living and dead, who have served this country. The presentations to their families sends the message that we will not forget their sacrifice in keeping our shores free for such celebrations.