Ceremony celebrates America’s independence

  • Among the groups attending the Independence Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park in Blue Ridge were representatives of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
    Among the groups attending the Independence Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park in Blue Ridge were representatives of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
  • Jared Ogden, left, of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), was the guest speaker for the Independence Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park in Blue Ridge. He is shown with fellow SAR member Jack Dugger and Pam Matthews of the Old Unicoi Trail Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
    Jared Ogden, left, of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), was the guest speaker for the Independence Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park in Blue Ridge. He is shown with fellow SAR member Jack Dugger and Pam Matthews of the Old Unicoi Trail Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
  • Bil Stodghill, left, and Ron Wallace salute during the retiring of the colors at the Independence Day celebration.
    Bil Stodghill, left, and Ron Wallace salute during the retiring of the colors at the Independence Day celebration.

    Freedom rang loud and clear across Veterans Memorial Park in Blue Ridge Monday, July 4, as veterans and visitors celebrated America’s independence.

    Bill Stodghill opened the ceremony by saying, “Thank God for all those who valued their freedom above their lives...may their sacrifices continue to influence us.”

    Stodghill, commander of the North Georgia Honor Guard, talked of the history of freedom from the beginning of the country up through the sacrifices of today’s servicemen and women.

    The special speaker for the event was Jared Ogden, who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and began his service in Vietnam.

    He talked of the unity that formed this nation. “Colonists from diverse backgrounds united as one” to obtain the freedoms we enjoy today, he said.

    Ogden told of the hardships faced by the Revolutionary War soldiers. “Our forefathers were really hurting,” he said, as he described how some were almost naked, with nothing but Indian-like blankets to wrap around their waists as they battled British troops who were here better supplied and better fed.

    Ogden traced the history of two Fannin County men who he described as  Revolutionary War heroes. He talked of the battles they fought, the hardships they endured and their dedication to securing freedom for America.

    He said, “Let us always remember that our freedoms came at a very great cost.”

    Ogden urged everyone to pass on the concepts and sense of heritage that America’s founding fathers held on to younger generations.