Augusta, GA

Local veteran says ‘tradition’ helps carry on remembrance

Published

2 years ago

May 27, 2024

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Local veteran says ‘tradition’ helps carry on remembrance

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On Monday, around the nation, we honored fallen service members.

It’s a day to remember for those throughout the area who served. Memorial Day allows us to take a moment to reflect.

Making sure no one lost in the line of duty is American Legion Post 178 Commander Grant Whiteley’s message on Memorial Day.

The post hosted dozens for a lunch which then turned into a ceremony.

MEMORIAL DAY COVERAGE:

“I am one about traditions. We have a lot of members that passed away and there’s one way to honor them every year,” said Whiteley.

The ceremony included naming every veteran a part of the post who has passed.

“A lot of those names were, you know, a buddy of mine here,” he said. “Had I not had this ceremony today. I wouldn’t remember them. Every time I hear their name during the ceremony. I remember. I remember who they were what they did, and a lot of them did a lot for this post.”

Following each name, a bell rang.

“All those names, we had rang a bell,” he said. “It let them know we’re thinking about them and we’re praying you know, and that they’re not forgotten.”

The playing of TAPS was followed by a prayer on their outside lawn full of white crosses representing each fallen soldier from the post.

“That’s what it’s all about, you know, so we don’t forget. There are too many things going on today. There’s no more tradition. They don’t remember you know, people hardly go out to the cemetery anymore,” Whiteley said.

Whiteley says it’s important to keep traditions moving forward. He says it’s all about not forgetting those who paid it all for our freedoms.

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Augusta, GA

Salem Ridgeyaks win second straight in Augusta, 7-4

Published

7 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Press Room

Salem Ridgeyaks win second straight in Augusta, 7-4

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WDBJ) – For a second straight game, the Salem Ridgeyaks bats blew up like…well..the fourth of July.

Andrews Opata hit his 5th home run of the season in the first inning, as Salem led wire-to-wire over Augusta, 7-4.

Opata also stole his Carolina League-leading 36th base of the season in the win for Salem (31-47). D’Angelo Ortiz’s 2 RBI double in the 4th pushed the Salem lead to 4-0. Ortiz finished 2-3 with three RBI’s on the night, while Louis Andujar went 3-4, scoring two runs and also plating two runs.

Salem pitcher Christian Foutch (ND, 6.18 ERA) pitched 4.2 strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out 8. Yermain Ruiz (W, 2-3, 9.87 ERA) picked up his first win since May 29th, going 4.1 innings while striking out another 4 batters.

Salem’s series at Augusta continues through Sunday.

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Augusta, GA

Annual fan drive returns as dangerous heat settles over Augusta

Published

17 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Press Room

Annual fan drive returns as dangerous heat settles over Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – As a heat wave settles over Augusta, the Psi Omega Foundation is working with Richmond County Marshal’s Office to deliver fans as a part of their annual fan drive.

Eugene White, president of the Psi Omega Foundation, said his personal connection to the community drives the effort.

“I’m the son of someone. I’m the grandson of someone,” White said. “And so when we think about our elders who may have struggled, that really drives home our desire to build a tenacious community.”

Fans available, no questions asked

White spent the day delivering fans across Augusta. Around 140 fans were available for donation.

Lt. Monica Meyers of the Richmond County Marshal’s Office said this year’s conditions have been more severe than previous summers.

“This year I noticed that the humidity has been higher, the heat index has been higher,” Meyers said. “And with that said, we know that research shows us that the elderly and seniors are less likely to run their AC during the summer months because they’re trying to save their budgets, because they are on fixed budgets and low income.”

Doctors say anyone can be at risk for heat-related illness when the heat index reaches the 90s or above.

How to get a fan

The Marshal’s Office said fans are available to anyone, no questions asked. Meyers said residents can call the Richmond County Marshal’s Office at 706-821-2368 or visit the substation at 3050 Deans Bridge Road in Augusta.

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