Community marks the 4th of July with re-dedication of Veterans Monument

By Charles Shiver

On Thursday morning, July 4, 2024, the community celebrated Independence Day with a rededication ceremony for a Veterans Monument (dating back to the 1950s), relocated from the grounds of the old Adel Memorial Hospital to Union Road Veterans’ Park. 

The event also featured the unveiling of two more veterans’ names and dates of service that have been inscribed on one of the granite benches – R.L. Thornton (deceased) and Rayford Wilson of Cook County – and a flag retirement ceremony. 

Hollis Griffin, 98, Cook County, Ga.’s last surviving World War II veteran, said he was proud to see the rededication of the Veterans Monument, which was originally set up only a few years after the global conflict ended with the United States’ total victory. The beautiful monument column is topped by a bronze eagle.

Mr. Griffin said he is feeling very well and he has only good things to say about everyone he knows. 

Until recently, you might have seen Mr. Griffin riding his little white Corvette around town. Mr. Griffin has been able to still recite the serial number of his rifle issued during the war. He served two years before being honorably discharged. Mr. Griffin recalled being so close to the European front lines that he could hear German machine guns firing, but God blessed him by ending the war a day or so before he would have been in combat action. 

Mr. Griffin’s family says he speaks fondly about the old local fishing holes he once visited, but some of those wonderful places may no longer exist. He shares accounts from his childhood of making butter and keeping the flies off of freshly butchered hogs, needed to feed the family on the farm.   

Local historian Linda Ward Meadows spoke about the rededication of the Veterans Monument on July 4, 2024.

“As we are gathered on this Independence Day, we come to honor our American Flag as a symbol of Freedom,” Mrs. Meadows said. “We are reminded of those who fought to protect our Flag. 

“We are especially honored today to re-dedicate a Veterans Monument that I remember as a child. It once stood in the middle of a large goldfish pool in front of Adel Memorial Hospital, which opened at the Parrish Avenue location in June 1950, a few years after World War II. So, it was in place at some point in the 1950s. 

“But now this marker has a new home within this Veterans Park. Moreover, we have the distinct honor of having with us, Hollis Griffin, Cook County’s last surviving veteran of World War II. He served with the 9th Infantry Division, U.S. Army.” She asked Mr. Griffin to stand and be recognized. He stood up and waved to the crowd. “We salute you, Mr. Griffin, and thank you for your service,” Mrs. Meadows said.

“I also recognize Patricia Buckholts Padgett for the initial idea for today’s project,” Mrs. Meadows said. “She and several others of us had parents who fought in World War II. Their service inspired the original placement of this marker. Its inscription reads:

“ ‘Dedicated to the memory of those who have given their all in defense of our nation. Cook County Post 5974, Veterans of Foreign Wars.’

“Although the monument was originally for those who gave their all up to the time of its first placement, today, we re-dedicate it to all of our soldiers since World War I. There have been many.

“Today, there are also names of many veterans on these benches and bricks. From henceforth, when you pass by, I ask that you give a heartfelt ‘Thank you,’ and a silent salute to these veterans. May God bless you all.”

Sherrill Napier gave the welcome for the unveiling ceremony for the names on the veterans’ benches. William Davis delivered the opening prayer. 

The names honored were: SSGT R.L. Thornton (deceased), who served with the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1970. Nancy Thornton conducted the unveiling. SFC Rayford Wilson, who served with the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1984 (in the Republic of Vietnam from 1965 to 1967, and from 1970 to 1971).

Gail W. Hughes gave closing remarks for the unveiling ceremony.

Mrs. Hughes then gave the opening prayer for the flag retirement ceremony. Members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1090 of Adel conducted posting of the colors. Diamond Sigman led the Pledge to the U.S. Flag. Mac McFadden performed “Taps.” Mrs. Hughes shared “The Flag’s Last Request.” Becky Harris then presented the first flag to be retired to James Taylor. William Davis gave the benediction.

VVA members saluted as a number of flags were retired by being burned in the proper ceremony.

Event sponsors were: American Legion Post #491 of Adel; Boy Scout Troop #828 of Adel; Brushy Creek Chapter, Daughters of Indian Wars; Dixie Chapter #2576, United Daughters of the Confederacy; Sgt. Benjamin Exum Chapter, Daughters of the War of 1812; John Howell Sr. Chapter, Colonial Dames 17th Century; Levi Sapp Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; Valdosta Chapter, Daughters of the American Colonists; Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1090; and Woodmen Life Insurance Company.

The organizers gave sincere thanks to: Tim Purvis (Purvis Funeral Home), who was instrumental in moving the Veterans Monument to its new home; Chris Cornelius; the Adel Garden Club; Cook County Fire Department, North Cook Station; the Adel Fire Department; and Boone Funeral Home, the latter for furnishing chairs.

More photos from the rededication ceremony are featured on Pages 2 and 11 of this week’s edition of the Adel News.