Vietnam Vet Honored on Memorial Day
Newnan's community Memorial Day ceremonies were held on May 29 at the city park at Jackson Street and Temple Avenue, again honoring a local son who served his country.
The gathering started at 11:00a in front of the Veteran's Monument. The annual observance is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2667.
For the 12th year, the program was entitled "Honor All by Remembering One." Dick Stender, who has helped organize the programs during the 12 years, said the idea is to remind Cowetans how much the loss of one person, killed in action, affects a family, friends and community.
"The sense of loss, when seen and heard in person, sheds light on the huge sacrifice of the million-plus Americans who died in defense of this nation," Stender said.
Post Commander Jeff Carroll announced this year's honoree is Corporal Terry C. Allen Jr.
Allen was killed in Vietnam on June 23, 1968, while serving with the Americal Division in one of the many desperate battles around Chu Lai.
Carroll, commenting on Allen's selection, said, "He was just beginning his life, and like so many, many others, lost it while wearing the uniform of an American serviceman. By seeing his brief life and tragic death, we hallow the deaths of all who died at war."
Allen was drafted a year after graduating from Newnan's Central High School in 1966 and was trained at Fort Benning as an infantryman. He worked at Douglas and Lomason Company before entering the service.
His mother, Mrs. Virginia S. Thompson, still resides here in Newnan. He is also survived by two sisters, Gloria S. Clark and Vivian Stevenson. Another brother, Lonnie Stevenson, is deceased.
The Coweta Veterans' Club placed flags on the graves of all veterans in the local major cemeteries on the Saturday before Memorial Day. The Veteran's Club also held a community luncheon following the Memorial Day ceremonies.
The gathering started at 11:00a in front of the Veteran's Monument. The annual observance is sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2667.
For the 12th year, the program was entitled "Honor All by Remembering One." Dick Stender, who has helped organize the programs during the 12 years, said the idea is to remind Cowetans how much the loss of one person, killed in action, affects a family, friends and community.
"The sense of loss, when seen and heard in person, sheds light on the huge sacrifice of the million-plus Americans who died in defense of this nation," Stender said.
Post Commander Jeff Carroll announced this year's honoree is Corporal Terry C. Allen Jr.
Allen was killed in Vietnam on June 23, 1968, while serving with the Americal Division in one of the many desperate battles around Chu Lai.
Carroll, commenting on Allen's selection, said, "He was just beginning his life, and like so many, many others, lost it while wearing the uniform of an American serviceman. By seeing his brief life and tragic death, we hallow the deaths of all who died at war."
Allen was drafted a year after graduating from Newnan's Central High School in 1966 and was trained at Fort Benning as an infantryman. He worked at Douglas and Lomason Company before entering the service.
His mother, Mrs. Virginia S. Thompson, still resides here in Newnan. He is also survived by two sisters, Gloria S. Clark and Vivian Stevenson. Another brother, Lonnie Stevenson, is deceased.
The Coweta Veterans' Club placed flags on the graves of all veterans in the local major cemeteries on the Saturday before Memorial Day. The Veteran's Club also held a community luncheon following the Memorial Day ceremonies.