American Legion Post 111 and members of the Paulding County Veterans Memorial Committee held a Veterans Day Service downtown Dallas on Friday, November 11th at 11:00 AM. The 23rd Annual service was held in honor of all Veterans living and deceased, especially those who died while serving our country, with a special remembrance for the eighty-two Paulding County Veterans who perished in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and in the Middle East.
Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 111 distributed programs and red paper poppies made by United States Veterans prior to the opening ceremonies. Scattered among the crowd were many veterans, some in their service uniforms and most wearing a hat, article of clothing or pin representing their branch of service.
The memorial began with the always stunning presentation of colors by members of the Paulding County Sheriff’s and Fire Departments, followed by our National Anthem, beautifully sung by Ms. Tabitha Ketchum. The audience then recited the Pledge of Allegiance in unison followed by an inspiring invocation provided by Mr. William McPherson, Chaplain of American Legion Post 111.
After the invocation, Mr. John Black, Commander of American Legion Post 111 welcomed the audience and provided a brief narrative of the various events in which Post 111 held in support of veterans and our local community throughout 2016. Commander Black then introduced the keynote speaker, Reverend Johnny McBurrows, of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas.
Throughout his speech, Reverend McBurrows stressed the importance of remembering, thanking and honoring those who served in the armed forces, as we are indebted to them for our freedoms. He continued that service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home to their families after war are also to be remembered. Reverend McBurrows, provided several illustrations by relaying stories of local military heroes from his hometown. The message resounded with audience as he received a hearty applause.
Veterans from American Legion Post 111 then processed forward and placed an arrangement of red, white and blue flowers at the base of the granite monument inscribed with the names of Paulding County residents killed during periods of war.
The service was concluded with the always impressive Twenty-One Gun Salute by members of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard, under the direction of Lieutenant Randall Gravett, followed by the solemn playing of taps.
A Veterans Day ceremony is planned again for next year and is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 11, 2017.

Air Force Veteran & American Legion Riders, Department of Georgia, Assistant State Director, Tony Propst American Legion Auxiliary President, Wanda Callahan & Past President, Remona Thomas Veterans from American Legion Post 111 Local Paulding County VeteransU.S. Navy Veteran, Jo Hagler Paulding County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard William McPherson, Chaplain, American Legion Post 111, Rev. Johnny McBurrows, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
and John Black, Commander, American Legion.