Dawson County held its 7th Annual Veterans Day Celebration last Friday and hundreds of people around the region came around to celebrate. The Veterans Day National Committee designated Dawson County as a 2011 Veterans Day Regional Site again this year. Atlanta and Dawsonville are the only two Regional Sites in Georgia to receive this recognition.

The days events started with a memorial service for Bob Couch at Veterans Memorial Park. Couch, who passed away this September, was remembered as a dedicated volunteer in several organizations including KARE for Kids and the Dawson County Veterans Alliance. Couch was also recognized as Dawson Countys Veteran of the Year.

The Bob I knew was a volunteer, said Mike Berg, chairman of the board of commissioners spoke at the memorial service. In honor of Couch, a plaque was placed and unveiled at the base of the Veteran Memorial flag stand.

Formal ceremonies were held at Dawson County Middle School (DCMS). Captain Larry Freeland was the Master of Ceremonies and Colonel James (Lundy) Linder was the keynote speaker. Prior to the formal ceremonies, a private banquet was held for Dawson county veterans and their spouses.