Memorial Day luncheon features speech from Major James E. Livingston

May 25—THOMASVILLE- The Thomasville/Thomas County Veterans Museum held their inaugural Memorial Day Remembrance Luncheon on Monday afternoon at The Plaza, where guests were treated to hearing from keynote speaker, Major General James E. Livingston, MOH, USMC (Ret.).

The luncheon began with the introduction of the Veteran's Museum Board of Directors, followed by the Invocation, which was given by Lt. Col Stann McLeod USAF (Ret.).

Prior to enjoying a meal, guests then viewed a short video on the past, present and future of the Thomasville/Thomas County Veterans Museum, produced by Randy Young.

"Founded in 1927 for veterans returning home from World War I, the T.L. Spence American Legion in Thomasville served as a centerpiece to the Thomas County civilian and military community," Young said in the broadcast. "Remodeled in 1957, the Legion hosted many events and functions over its near 100- year existence, but as time marched on, support for the Legion faded. The building now stands empty."

The Legion overlooks two of the most historic cemeteries in Thomasville, including the Old City cemetery and the Flipper cemetery, which is home to the final resting place of Lt. Henry Flipper, the first black graduate of West Point and Thomasville's first West Point cadet.

"It is only fitting that a group of Thomas County citizens, led by some of our local veterans have begun the process of repurposing the Legion property into the first facility of its kind in our area," Young continued.

The video explained the Legion would be turned into a museum that would provide detailed histories of individuals such as Joseph Anderson, a Revolutionary War hero, and Ken Lander, one of only 316 survivors of the USS Indianapolis, both of whom were raised in Thomasville.

"It is our mission to create a place with remarkable stories of those veterans and so many others that will be preserved in austerity and also a place to teach adults and young people alike that is it okay to be proud of a place you call home," Young said.

With that, Young concluded, encouraging guests to enjoy their meals.

Following a delicious lunch, Colonel Joseph Brown USA (Ret.) introduced Livingston, who attended the luncheon virtually due to an emergency surgery.

Brown provided guests with a brief history on Livingston, but drew their attention to a particular assignment of Livingston's in Vietnam.

During this assignment, Livingston distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy forces, receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Livingston thanked Brown for his introduction, apologizing for not being able to join the crowd in person.

"I understand over 214 people are at this event today, and I thank you for coming out and recognizing Memorial Day and recognizing the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have kept this country free," he said.

Livingston then acknowledged a couple of individuals in attendance, including recent TCC alumnus Jackson Emmett, who has been selected to attend the U.S. Naval Academy.

"God bless you my friend," he said. "As you know, less than 1% of our country serves in the military and you are the kind of example of young men and women we need more of. Welcome aboard to the Naval Academy, I know you will have a great career in the Navy or the Marines, whichever you choose, but I hope you're going to be a Marine!"

After acknowledging several others in the crowd, Livingston went on to say that the reason for the gathering was to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice many men and women have made for the betterment of the United States.

"It's a day to remember those who didn't come home," he said. "It's the remembrance of the gifting of a life."

Livingston said he understood Thomasville was in the process of building a Veterans Museum, and he encouraged all to be involved, because many young Americans needed to understand the history behind this great country.

"Let's memorialize this Memorial Day by committing to build this museum," he cheered.

During Livingston's research on the museum, he said he was enlightened about some of the amazing testimonies from former veterans and their history.

Livingston was particularly drawn to Flipper's story.

"Who would've ever thought he would've been from Thomasville?" Livingston questioned. "It's just another great testimony to the people of Georgia. He represents the greatness of America."

Livingston concluded by reminding everyone that "we all represent America and the bright shining star that it is and that we must work hard during these trying times to represent how great it really is to be an American."

With a round of applause, Livingston turned the program over to Dr. Ron M. Bannister S/Sgt. USMC.

Bannister thanked everyone for turning out and encouraged them to pick up literature on the upcoming Veterans Museum, he then asked each member of the service to stand as their service anthem was played by Bob Parrish.

After one final sing-along, Don Sims 1st/Lt. USA honored those who were lost in the line of duty through the Missing Man Recognition, while senior TCCHS band member Teddy Cone played Taps.