Ceremony honors fallen veterans

Published 12:58 pm Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Veterans who served the nation are never forgotten at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, as was evident on Memorial Day.

For the second year in a row, rainy weather postponed what has traditionally been a large gathering of families and supporters of veterans near the front entrance of the cemetery.

Linda Lavender, director of the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, welcomed everyone to the service, which packed the small chapel, as well as those seated under two tents out front.

A moment of silence was observed for those who attended the service to remember fallen heroes from all branches of the military.

“This cemetery was dedicated in 2001,” Lavender said as several Georgia Patriot Guard Riders stood outside holding American flags and members of The Knights of Columbus sat in front of the chapel. “Since that time, 5,828 veterans, spouses and (others) have been laid to rest here. Since last Memorial Day, 239 veterans have been laid to rest here in our cemetery. We’re here today to honor the fallen heroes and to remember their sacrifices that they made for us. Let’s remember their courage and dedication to our country.”

She introduced the keynote speaker, Veda Brooks, who served in the Army for 15 years and as a combat medic during Desert Storm.

A native of Compton, California, Brooks now serves as director of the Georgia Department of Women Veterans Office. In her role, she serves as the primary resource and point of contact for Georgia women veterans who seek various assistance.

Brooks is the first woman to serve as director of the Georgia Department of Women Veterans Office.

The Georgia Women Veterans Office advocates for women veterans across the state. The office provides assistance for filing benefits claims, providing counseling for military sexual trauma and providing programs to connect women veterans with resources at local, state and federal levels.

“We pause today to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Brooks said. “They made the sacrifices for our freedoms. Sometimes people tell me ‘thank you for your service,’ and then I respond, it was my pleasure. This is exactly why I did what I did.”

She talked a little about the history of how Memorial Day was created, honoring all of the courageous men and women who have laid down their lives in defense of their country.

“Let us never forget that behind every flag draped on a coffin is a name, is a story and a family,” Brooks said.

She said she continues to stand for those brave service members that she fought beside and for those who came home changed or didn’t come home at all.

“I also stand for women and minority veterans,” Brooks said.

She said their contributions were vital and their voices have been too often unheard.

“We have battles on and off the battlefield,” Brooks said. “Too many have been overlooked and too many of the needs unmet. Yet, we persist.”

The special ceremony later concluded with the crowd going outside to view the release of white doves that flew around the cemetery. Such has become a tradition. That part of the service was provided by Jimmie Granville of Milledgeville.