TALLAPOOSA, Ga.-- In Haralson County on Friday, Independence Day celebrations and observances included reminders of the price that people of every generation must pay to stay free.
The Haralson County Veterans Association dedicated a new, permanent memorial display, to honor two, former prisoners of war.
The HCVA led a community-wide campaign that raised tens of thousands of dollars to acquire and install, in Helton-Howland Memorial Park, two, out-of-service, F-105 fighter jets.
At the ceremonies on Friday, one jet was dedicated to retired Air Force Colonel Wayne Waddell, a Haralson County native who now lives in Marietta. The other jet was dedicated to Brigadier General David William Winn, who died in 2009.
Both officers flew dozens of combat missions over Vietnam, and both were captured and were prisoners of war. They were among nearly 600 U.S. service personnel who were prisoners of war in Vietnam.
The two jets were dedicated not only to Waddell and Winn. They were also dedicated to three other veterans -- Capt. James "Benton" West, who was shot down twice over Vietnam; Sgt. Thomas "Jerry" Jackson, who was a crew chief for F105s; and Sgt. Gene William Wilk, who was also a crew chief.
Organizers say they hope the outdoor memorial will help educate young people about the sacrifices of service members throughout U.S. history in preserving freedom.
Those wanting more information on the memorial, or to contribute toward the completion of the memorial, can contact the president of the Haralson County Veterans Association, Sammy Robinson. The HCVA is a 501c3 non-profit organization; donations are tax deductable.
71 Riverside Drive
Tallapoosa, GA 30176
770-574-7764
