Patriotism in Cumming, Georgia
Since 1990, this community has made an all out effort to recognize the men and women who have served this nation in the U.S. Military. Looking back, it seems that we were awakened by the Gulf War. One of the first tributes paid was during the 1990 Fourth of July Parade. All Cumming and Forsyth county Veterans having served in the Gulf War were invited to ride on a float in the parade. Complete with patriotic music, the parade began. The incident that touched us was when the men began singing with the music, "God Bless America". These were men who had bombed Saudi Arabia, men who had fought in Desert Storm, men who had left their families, not knowing if they would return, yet...here the were, safe and in their home town parade. Moreover, there we were, safe...because of them.
Soon there after, the City of Cumming began planning the Veterans Memorial Blvd. The Mayor and Council of the City of Cumming Commissioned Sculptor and artist, Gregory Johnson to design the Memorial. Guided by a five-member committee and funded by donations and City's General Fund Monies, the Memorial was completed and dedicated in May 1992. The monument presents a pedestal to each war wherein Forsyth Countians lost their lives, going back to the War between the States. Each
pedestal bears the names of those men. Atop each pedestal are bronzed artifacts from that war period.
The Memorial features a Southern Ladder Back Chair, which is draped with a soldier's uniform. Inside the boots is an authentic dog tag of a Forsyth County Native Son who served in Vietnam. The helmet is equipped with first aid supplies attached to the band. On ceremonial occasions, a properly folded U.S. Flag is placed in the bronzed chair alongside the uniform.
The Memorial bears the following inscription:
"Realizing anew, the full portion of sacrifice paid by the Sons and Daughters of Cumming, Forsyth County, Georgia, in the defense of life and individual rights, we, the citizens in gratitude and honor, dedicate this monument to their memory; and in doing so, pledge to
preserve and protect the freedoms for which they so bravely fought. This place will be held in reverence for all those who wish to pause and remember how we came to live in this Sweet land of Liberty. America, America, God Shed His Grace on thee!" The young people of the community play a big part in the ceremonies each November and May.
In 1995, the citizens of the town were compelled to do more. The City felt that the men and women who had served and were fortunate enough to return home and live out the remainder of their lives as good citizens and dedicated family members had made the same initial commitment as those whose lives were lost as a result of war time incident. The City established the Avenue of Flags in 1995 to honor these men and women. It began with 15 flags and now more than 75 flags proudly flank
the Memorial walkway. The flags were donated by the family members and each pole bears the inscription of the honored veteran. The City is the caretaker of the 9X6 casket flags and accepts the responsibility of displaying them each Memorial weekend.
In 1998, the community was very fortunate to have the Moving Vietnam Wall visit our city. It sat on display on the Memorial Grounds for one week and received some 10,000 visitors.
As patriotic awareness grew and activities at the Memorial increased, it became apparent that an umbrella organization to communicate with the various veterans organizations in the community was needed. This organization was not to take the place of the VFW, American Legion or any other veterans organization, but rather aid in coordinating events and provide current information to each veteran in the community, even if he/she did not belong to an already existing veterans
organization. Two surveys were mailed in 1999 to all the known veterans in Forsyth County, Georgia area. The first survey asked if there was a need for an organization to communicate and coordinate veterans community activities - a Veterans Alliance. The response was overwhelming. The second survey was to seek out veterans interested in participation in a color /honor guard. Forty veterans responded. The idea behind the color
guard was to establish a pool of veterans trained to perform in a very professional manner, color/honor guard activities for patriotic ceremonies as well as for military funerals. These veterans would reestablish their service uniforms at their own expense and purchase any other parade-type paraphernalia appropriate for performance. In March 21, 2000, The Veterans Alliance was incorporated by the State of Georgia as a nonprofit organization. The by-laws state that there will be no dues charged the members and honorably discharged veterans are eligible to join. The business community and individuals donated over $20,000 for start up cost and pledge to underwrite all future costs. April 12, 2000, The Veterans Alliance Applied to the United States Army Donation Program for fifteen surplus M-1 rifles to use in patriotic ceremonies. The U.S. Army Armaments Command stated initially that this organization did not qualify because they were local and not a national organization. Even if consideration were given, it would be at the bottom of the list. The Veterans Alliance mailed over one hundred letters to Senators and Representatives in Washington D.C. Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) offered to assist. October 12, 2000, fifteen M-1 rifles were received in Cumming, Georgia by the Veterans Alliance. Since that day, the Veterans Alliance Color/Honor Gurad/Rifle Team has been busy with patriotic ceremonies, parades and funerals of community veterans. Special thanks goes to Senator Jesse Helm and his staff, General John Hendrix, Forscom Commanding General and Mr. Greg Stone, aid to the General for their assistance in this endeavor.
Mayor
Henry Ford Gravitt
Council Members
Quincy Holton
Lewis Ledbetter
Ralph Perry
John Pugh
Rupert Sexton
City Administrator
Gerald Blackburn
Assistant City Administrator
Steve Bennett
City Clerk
Jeff Honea
