The Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720 Veterans Jamboree was moved inside on Saturday due to the poor weather, but that did not dampen the spirits and the camaraderie found in the post’s Cornelia headquarters.
First, it was a chance to show folks all the work that has been done in that facility to make it home for our local servicemen and women. It took a little while to get back on their feet from the fire at the old VFW building, but that mission has advanced greatly since then.
The walls are decorated with beautiful military memorabilia, flags and pennants recognize service and honor. The combined efforts of the VFW and its auxiliary, along with other veterans groups like the DAV Chapter 15 and the American Legion Post 84, have helped advance the cause for veterans here.
The new mission is locating a VA clinic here in Habersham County that will prevent veterans from traveling out of county – and in some cases, out of state – to get proper medical care. We owe that to our veterans for their service to this country, and it would be a huge win for the county if we are successful in bringing that clinic here.
At Saturday’s event, nearly a dozen Quilts of Valor were given out to those who have served in various conflicts, time periods and branches of the military. It was a heartfelt gift to the recipients, and honoring service never goes out of style.
A week earlier, we saw the Honor Guard recognized at a new event created to bring to light their incredible service to the community. The group is dedicated to remembering veterans at their funerals, and they give a large chunk of their own time to celebrate a life of service even in a moment of sorrow.
It was gratifying to see true American heroes get their due respect, particularly in light of recent events with a woman charged in multiple counties for falsifying her status as a veteran, among other fraudulent acts.
The level of insult that something like that brings cannot be quantified. For someone to pretend they put aside their own life to serve their country is an abomination.
The heroes who have actually served this nation gave the ultimate sacrifice, and we are not only talking about those killed in action. Those who return to civilian life after their acts of bravery and valor often struggle with issues that most of us cannot possibly understand.
It cannot be overstated how valuable our local veterans organizations are to our community. We salute their efforts to enrich the lives of our military personnel and their families.