Beginning at the Triangle Park Vietnam Veteran monument near downtown Statesboro on Friday, May 24, 2024, the Statesboro's American Legion Dexter Allen Post 90 Post Commander Gary Martin spoke in remembrance of the seven Bulloch county residents who lost their lives fighting in the Vietnam War.
The observance then moved to the “Flame of Freedom” that was installed in 1969 in front of City Hall to honor the Legion’s 50th anniversary.
Lastly, the group honored veterans of all wars at the monument at the Bulloch County Judicial Annex. The Legion members gave a final salute to the 86 citizens of Bulloch county who have given their lives in combat since World War I.
The Memorial Day tributes will continue on Monday, with the public invited to join the American Legion at the Emma Kelly Theater for a ceremony of remembrance at 10:30 am, with a hamburger and hot dog lunch to follow at the American Legion post. View the full program and more information about the event HERE.
Visitors to downtown Statesboro will see another commemorative Memorial day display on the lawn of the courthouse, where the Statesboro Fire Department has placed crosses with the names of fallen soldiers.
This community project is a source of pride for the fire department, as members of the department constructed and maintain the crosses that appear on the lawn annually for Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
More about the American Legion Post 90:
Legion officers participate in many ceremonial events for Memorial day as a part of their work. Commander Martin says placing the 2,550 American flags at the graves of Bulloch County veterans in 47 cemeteries every year is one of the most important honors that the Legion gives to veterans that have passed.
Bobby Godwin, who will step into the role of Commander this summer, says the Legion is working to support homeless veterans and to help veterans with their benefits. They are also reaching out to the community through food drives and working with non-profits like Feed the Boro.
The Legion also gives special thanks to Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens for their generous support in purchasing the wreaths and facilities for the memorial day service.
Schedule of weekly and monthly American Legion meetings:
- Monday 6:30 pm: Veteran peer support group for dealing with mental health struggles
- Monday 6:30 pm: Veteran Family support group
- Tuesday 10:30 am - 3 pm: Service hours for benefits questions
- Tuesday 7 pm: Early Bird Bingo (7:30 regular bingo)
The Monthly meeting of the Post and Auxiliary is every third Thursday, with free dinner for legion members and their guests starting at 6 pm, and the meeting at 7 pm.
