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.