"This is a memorial to all those that have been transferred to the highest authority. Don't forget them please," Bill Stodghill told those in attendance for the annual Memorial Day ceremony May 25.
The ceremony was held at the Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park with the Veterans Service Organizations of Fannin County hosting.
Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Dale Barnett was the guest speaker.
From Indiana, he served 22 years and is a former Georgia and National commander of the American Legion, the country's largest veterans service organization.
Additionally, Barnett was as battalion executive officer of the 2nd Battalion 18th Infantry in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
Recognizing those "who made the ultimate sacrifice," Barnett also recognized the families of those heroes.
"We do not forget," Barnett said. "We are here for the 2,431 American service members who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor 85 years ago.
"We are here for the 3,100 combat deaths and thousands more who succumbed to the elements of Chosin Reservoir in Korea.
"We are here for the men and women who continue to lose their lives during operations in the Middle East."
He continued by giving a history on Memorial Day and paid homage to three Georgia soldiers: Lieutenant Daniel Collins, Private First Class Diego Ragone and Lieutenant Dan Berschinski.
Collins died while carrying on the family tradition of military service while serving in Iraq.
Ragone was 19 years old and died in Iraq.
Berschinski lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan.
The ceremony included traditional elements such as the posting of colors, laying of wreath, singing the National Anthem, rifle salute, playing of TAPS, a cookout and more.