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Memorial Day Ceremony Along the Appalachian Highway

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The Appalachian Highway runs right through Blue Ridge, Georgia – a town we moved to just a few short months ago.  I learned about the Memorial Day Ceremony happening at Veterans Memorial Park, just two turns off said highway, only yesterday, and was excited to attend.

I went a bit before it started, though, and visited the city park in downtown Blue Ridge.  I remembered a monument to the veterans of Fannin County was there, too, and I wanted to get an image for you.
In grateful recognition of the gallant service and supreme sacrifice of these soldiers of Fannin County in the World War, this monument is erected by the people of Fannin County.
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The monument was originally dedicated 21 October 1937.  Later, soldiers from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam were also honored here.
In grateful tribute to the soldiers from Fannin County who gave their lives in World War II and Korean War.

"Who saves his country saves himself, saves all things, and all things saved do bless him.
Who lets his country die lets all things die, dies himself ignobly, and all things dying curse him."
After paying my respects to those inscribed here, I turned toward Veterans Memorial Park.  The keynote address was being given when I arrived.  After the address, a three volley salute was fired, and Taps was played.  The colors were removed, then a prayer.  It was a simple ceremony.  Yet powerful enough for my eyes to water.

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The clouds were like cotton, and the sky was a beautiful blue.  More people than I expected were there, but even more should have been there.  Of that, I am sure.

By the way, do you know the significance of the three volley salute? I am a daughter and granddaughter of military veterans, so maybe I should have known.  But I did not.  According to VeteransUnited.com, the three volley salute "comes from traditional battle ceasefires where each side would clear the dead. The firing of three volleys indicated the dead were cleared and properly cared for."

The quality is not professional, but I captured the three volley salute and a portion of Taps on video.


Did you notice the cemetery behind the park? I went there after the ceremony. More on that tomorrow.


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The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?"

So I answered, "O Lord God, You know."

Again He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!' Thus says the Lord God to these bones: 'Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live...'" (Ezekiel 37:1-5, NKJV)