Loganville honors Veterans on Veterans Day 2017

Loganville chose to have its 2017 Veterans Day Ceremony at the American Legion Post 233 due to the cold and windy conditions expected instead of the customary Veterans Memorial in front of the old City Hall, but Post 233 turned out to be a very fitting substitute.

With attendees being addressed by Loganville Mayor Dan Curry, opening and closing prayers by Chaplain Pat Buchanan, speeches by veterans George Hinkle, Ralph Mulleis, Capt. Henry S. Baldwin (retired) and Post 233 Commander Stan Mauldin, it was already an inspiring and emotional event – and that was before the Wreath Laying Ceremony. Capt. Julie Devries, commander of the Walton Civil Air Patrol paid tribute to her friend and neighbor, lifelong Loganville resident and US Navy WW II Veteran Charles Langley, who passed away on Aug. 2 this year at the age of 91.

Devries struggled to hold back tears as she paid tribute to the man who had dedicated his life to service. After leaving the military, he had worked for 32 years for the local postal service.

“Charles was a quiet man, a humble man, a man who you probably have seen a 1000 times and smiled back at after he smiled at you. For me he will always be family, and someone on a growing list of those who I know who have served this great nation we call home. Thank you Charles for your service of our country. I miss you and I promise to honor your memory, you stubborn old goat,” Devries said through her tears. This was followed by two of the CAP cadets laying a wreath in his memory.

Curry also read the following proclamation that had been approved by the Loganville City Council in honor of Veterans Day.

WHEREAS, we join a grateful nation in recognizing that the men and women who serve or have served in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard serve as examples of dedication and courage, valor and sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, the men and women of our country’s military, as well as their families, have been challenged in ways few others could begin to understand; and

WHEREAS, those in the U.S. armed forces serve both here and abroad, in times of war and peace, and for more than 200 years have found in this nation ideals and freedoms worth paying the ultimate price to defend; and 

WHEREAS, each time this country has called, there have been true American men and women who answered with the selfless act of putting on the uniform of our military knowing that this is the country of the free only because of the brave; and

WHEREAS, while one day is set aside each year to honor the men and women of our military in Veterans Day, we should each day thank
veterans for their courage, dedication and sacrifice;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dan Curry, Mayor of the City of Loganville, do hereby proclaim Saturday, November 11, 2017, a day to remember to pay tribute to all of the men and women throughout this country’s history who answered the call of duty with courage and valor.

Other emotional readings included a Moment for Reflection by Hinkle, the story of the Missing Man Table by Mullins, an explanation of just what it takes to be a veteran by Baldwin and an emotional explanation by Mauldin on why he flies two flags at his home, one at the front entrance and one at the back entrance. He explained that when asked by his granddaughter when she was younger, he told her, “because I can.” But he went on to explain just why he can – because of the sacrifices of many who make it possible.