Veterans honor fallen soldiers at new Piedmont Park Vietnam memorial
Veterans gather for wreath laying despite postponement
A group of veterans gathered at the new Vietnam War memorial in Piedmont Park on Memorial Day, despite officials postponing an inaugural ceremony due to possible stormy weather.
ATLANTA - Veterans gathered in Piedmont Park on Memorial Day to honor fallen service members at Atlanta’s newly unveiled Vietnam War Memorial despite rainy weather across the city.
What we know:
Members of the Sons of Atlanta Veterans organization held an informal wreath-laying ceremony Monday afternoon after weather concerns forced organizers to postpone the official Memorial Day ceremony.
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The memorial, unveiled in March on National Vietnam Veterans Day, honors approximately 240 soldiers from Atlanta and surrounding Fulton County communities who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
Etched into the memorial are the words "Freedom is not free," a phrase organizers say reflects the sacrifice made by those honored there.
Veterans said it was important to still gather on Memorial Day, even in the rain.
"Today, in spite of the rain, my crew, my my chapter, my memories, we are here to do the wreath laying to honor our brothers," said Rev. Elson McGhee, president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter No. 1118, Inc. "They are the ones who paid the ultimate price."
Organizers said the memorial serves as a permanent reminder of the Atlanta-area service members who gave their lives for the country.
"I’m awfully proud of the people that's on this wall who served in Vietnam alongside me," said Jimmy Cameron, a Purple Heart recipient and Atlanta son. "I get amazed, every time I come down here I get kind of emotional."
The memorial was funded through the city’s Park Improvement Fund along with fundraising efforts from veterans organizations and supporters.
Diogo Costa, who was walking in the park, was happy to see the memorial open.
"I believe that this memorial reflects the message that freedom is not free," Costa said. "When you see the names around you and the meaning of the lives and the service that they provided to keep this republic safe and free, it's very meaningful."
What you can do:
Officials also said engraved commemorative bricks surrounding the memorial are still available for purchase as part of ongoing fundraising efforts supporting the site and honoring veterans.
The bricks are available for purchase on the Sons of Atlanta website.