“Anybody that puts their life on the line deserves recognition, and we’re here to do that today,” North Georgia Honor Guard Commander Bill Stodghill said during the Veterans Day Ceremony held in the Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park Saturday, November 6.
Stodghill’s comment came after the keynote speech by Ben Arp, who grew up in Epworth.
Arp had been scheduled to speak last year, but was unable to make it as a result of his gallbladder rupturing.
Introducing Arp, veteran Nick Wimberley told the audience that Arp served in the United States Army from 1968 until 1971 and was promoted to Captain in ‘70.
Additionally, from September ‘70 to ‘71 he was sent to Fort McPherson, Georgia, as Post Intelligence Officer for training and monitoring document security for confidential to top secret.
He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant out of the University of Georgia in 1968.
In ‘69, Arp was sent to South Vietnam on a Search and Destroy Operation.
Arp is also a member of the Boy Scouts of America and an Eagle Scout of Troop 32 in Epworth, Wimberley said.
“No, we are not here today by chance,” Arp said in his speech. “We are here with a purpose. We gather to remember. We gather to honor, and we gather today to thank those who served our nation.”
He went on to say that in the 245 years of the U.S.A., only 4.5% of citizens have served in the military.
Arp also thanked the honor guard for their work during the ceremony and outside.
“While Americans owe these veterans a debt that cannot be fully repaid, showing our appreciation is the very least we can do,” Stodghill said.
During the ceremony, several public officials were recognized before the posting of wreaths, rifle and helmet, and the colors.
The honor guard also fired rifles, and all in attendance observed a prayer, the National Anthem and TAPS.