Lilburn Honors Local Veterans

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 to be Armistice Day, which honored veterans and the fallen of World War I. This original idea has expanded over the years to include veterans from all U.S. wars and to identify one day per year for Americans to demonstrate pride in heroism for all those who have served our country.

To that end, a respectable number of citizens made a point to come out to Lilburn City Park on Sunday to show their appreciation for our local veterans at a small but dignified ceremony that has become our annual Lilburn Veterans Day tradition.

The City of Lilburn and the GFWC Lilburn Woman's Club co-hosted the event as the Civil Air Patrol cadets presented the colors and LWC Home Life Program Chair, Laurie Wexel, led the attendees in singing the "Star Spangled Banner."

A train roared by as Mayor Diana Preston then read a list of city employees who had previous military experience in a role call format, identifying each individuals' years of service and which branch of service they had served in.

Keynote speaker, Jim Freeman of the Task Force Patriots, spoke briefly about his narrow escape from death while serving in Vietnam.

Attendees were able to show their respect to many of the veterans and then continue to enjoy a sunny afternoon in the park.