The observance of Wounded Warriors Day will be held annually beginning Saturday, November 10, 2007. The City of St. Marys in collaboration with American Legion Post 312 will honor wounded veterans as well as those whose suffering has ended. The solemn ceremonial walk will begin at 10:00 a.m. from the St. Marys Waterfront Pavilion proceeding to Oak Grove Cemetery.
Mayor Rowland Eskridge and the St. Marys City Council have approved a resolution, prompted by poet Kathy Galarita’s moving tribute “Today, They Still Battle!â€, in support of Wounded Warriors Day. The proclamation serves to promote public remembrance of the brave men and women who have returned home suffering from battle injuries both physical and psychological. Further, continued public awareness will serve to promote programs and services to meet the needs of those service members whose lives were shattered defending our country.
Throughout history, the American government has kept close numbers of the casualties sustained during times of unrest; however, those members who returned home with incapacitating wounds have gone virtually uncounted. The battle for numerous Wounded Warriors did not end at a VA hospital, for some the fight has never ended, and others went to their final reward never having known the pride of a grateful nation.
In an effort to bring the observance of Wounded Warriors Day to the forefront of the nation, American Legion Post 312 Commander Verna J. Sugart represented the 8th District of Georgia in August 2007 at the national convention. Statistics, gathered from various agencies, recorded during the period of World War II to the present time more than 930,000 Armed Services personnel returned home suffering from battlefield wounds. Unfortunately, during the present turmoil, the number of wounded is rising every day; therefore, the importance of the Wounded Warrior movement is ever growing.
Everyone, who enjoys the freedoms that our Wounded Warriors have valiantly fought for, is encouraged to participate in the walk from the St. Marys Waterfront Pavilion on Saturday, November 10th at 10:00 a.m. More importantly, educate the youth of our city, county, state, and nation to understand and respect the sacrifices of those who are willing to pay the ultimate price for liberty. For further information, call the Downtown Development Director, Alyce Thornhill at (912) 882-8111 or contact her via email at alyce.thornhill@tds.net