A good crowd of local veterans, political leaders and citizens gathered for the occasion in the parking lot of the Church of Christ located at the Chesnut Bypass in Centre. Veteran's Memorial Drive commences at the intersection of Highways 411 and 68 in Leesburg and extends to the Chesnut Bypass in Centre. American Legion Post 62 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4652 hosted the dedication ceremony.
Maj. General Joseph P. Kingston (Retired) was the keynote speaker for the event.
Honored veterans, distinguished guests and fellow citizens," said Kingston. "I believe it is most appropriate that we gather here today to memorialize and honor the veterans of Cherokee County by dedicating a portion of this highway to their service and sacrifice. Beginning in 1978, a small group of patriotic citizens of this county conceived the idea of placing a flag in the median of this highway on seven special days each year. This was to memorialize our armed forces and those Cherokee County veterans who gave their lives in combat or who served in our armed forces. Many are now deceased as a result of war wounds."
"We thank all of them for their outstanding efforts as the number of flags have grown from 80 in 1974 to 284 today," said Gen. Kingston. "In my military career, I've seen many monuments paying tribute and respect to veterans. But I have never seen a tribute as moving and as appropriate as this remarkable Avenue of Flags that we witnessed today. I shall always remember a beautiful Memorial Day 20 years ago with a gentle breeze blowing like today. When I first saw this magnificent community recognition of the service and sacrifice of their fellow citizens, I was in awe and I continue to be today. Those 284 flags remind us of the price of our freedom and liberty."
Sen. Gerald Dial and Rep. Richard Lindsey presented a copy of the resolution to County Commander American Legion Post 62 Commander Mack Mack Allen. The resolution named Veterans Memorial Drive in Cherokee County
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