Augusta, GA
Augusta honors fallen service members during Memorial Day ceremony
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Community members, veterans, military families and local leaders gathered Monday at the All Wars Memorial in Olde Town Augusta to honor the men and women who died while serving the United States.
The Augusta CRSA “America 250” Memorial Day Ceremony featured patriotic music, prayers, a roll call honoring local veterans organizations and remarks from city and military leaders.
Major General Ryan Janovic with the U.S. Army at Fort Gordon says Memorial Day is a time to remember service members who never returned home.
“I myself have been deployed with a brigade who didn’t bring everybody home,” Janovic said. “I remember the faces, families and the ceremonies.”
Janovic says the day carries a deeper meaning for many veterans and military families.
“Memorial Day is an American time to get quiet and remember those who didn’t come home from serving overseas and defending our way of life,” Janovic said.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson also spoke about the connection between Memorial Day and the Augusta CSRA’s “America 250” observance, which marks the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
“We have been involved in every major conflict since this nation even became a country,” Johnson said. “From the Revoluntionary War to the Vietnam War to the Korean conflict, to World War I and II, Augusta has been the fabric of America.”
The ceremony also focused on teaching younger generations about the sacrifices made be service members.
Janovic says be believes younger people understand the importance of the day.
“I have an 18-year-old son, so that question hits home well,” Janovic said. “He knows this is a special day and his friends do as well.”
Timothy Tyler, volunteer with the Augusta Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, says he hopes people remember the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.
“Here we have three great memorials to the different people from the CSRA who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Tyler said. “I just hope people remember all the sacrifices.”
Organizers say events like this help make sure the stories and sacrifices of fallen service members are never forgotten.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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