On Friday, December 6, 2024, the Douglas-Coffee County Veterans Park Committee hosted its annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony at 10 AM at Cadet Park, located at 1 Airport Circle. The Citizen’s Christian Academy Choir performed at the ceremony, which was attended by members of the public. This event emphasized the importance of honoring the servicemen and women who were killed or wounded during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to the United States’ entry into World War II on December 7, 1941.
Mr. David “Red” Fehr, Jr. Vice Commander of VFW Post 5976, served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event began with a welcome from Mayor Tony Paulk, followed by a heartfelt prayer led by Dr. Carl McDonald, Chaplain of American Legion Post 515. The CHS NJROTC presented the Colors, while the CCA Chorus sang the National Anthem and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
After the Posting of Colors, Mr. Jeff Hennesy with the VFW Post 5976 introduced Kortlyn Bennett, the High School winner of the VFW Post 5976 “Voice of Democracy” essay contest. Mr. Henry Martin, Judge Advocate with the American Legion Post 515 introduced Konner Brooker, the 5th grade essay winner of the “What America Means to Me” American Legion Essay competition. Both winners read their essays to the audience.
The CCA Chorus also performed a special song dedicated to veterans. Mr. David Fehr delivered a poignant speech about Pearl Harbor. To conclude the ceremony, CHS Band Director Steve Myers played Taps on his trumpet, the CHS NJROTC, and American Legion Post 515 lowered the flag to half-mast while a PT-17 plane flown by Mr. Chris Rounds passed overhead.
The WWII Flight Training Museum was open for visitors to view the exhibits and learn more about the history of World War II and how Douglas played a major role in training WWII pilots. Special thanks to everyone who participated and attended the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony.