Many places in Athens are holding Veterans Day events.
1. Oconee Hill Cemetery had a Veterans Day event this morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The OCH Cemetery is located right next to Sanford Stadium on East Campus Road. This event included a self-guided tour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The tour allowed guests to view the graves of past veterans from many of our histories wars including the Spanish-American War, Revolutionary War, Civil War, Mexican War, and both WWI and WWII. There are also soldiers who died in the most recent Iraq War buried in this cemetery. After the self-guided tour, there was a flag and statue dedication. The flag was dedicated by the Friends of the Cemetery to veterans, as well as firefighters, police officers, and first responders. The statue was commissioned by Mrs. Bridges in memory of her son-in-law, Sergeant Sean Gressler, who lost his life in Iraq.
If you were not able to attend this event, you can visit the cemetery daily during their business hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cemetery is full of history and everyone should take the time to visit the remarkable people buried here.
2. Also this morning, Bel Air Elementary School hosted their annual parade that local veterans are able to participate in. The parade started at 8:30 a.m. Both Malakoff Elementary School and Brownsboro High School also planned Veterans Day events that began at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
3. An event that is going on all day is at Chickfila on the East Side. Children can decorate bags for soldiers and Veterans can show their military ID and get discounts on items from their menu.
4. And finally at 2 o'clock, Oconee County Middle school is hosting a Veterans appreciation event. The middle school's symphonic band will perform and retired Army Capt. Joshua Darnell will speak.
I love that so many people take the time out of their day to have ceremonies to celebrate such an important day and important people. If you were not able to attend events this year, then make sure to keep an eye out for next year.
UPDATE: Your Pie's Athens/Watkinsville stores are offering 50% discount to all veterans today. Be sure to visit and get a delicious pizza.
