It's time once again to celebrate our great country's independence and freedom.

From the Revolutionary War when the colonies won and declared independence from England in 1774 until today, unnumbered sacrifices have been made by American Patriots to ensure our continuing freedom.

As we approach another celebration of Independence Day on July 4th, let us all remember and not forget how we gained our freedom and the sacrifices made through the years. Patriots gave much; many, their lives. Without them, we would not enjoy the freedoms we know and which we must never take for granted.

Once again, caring patriots of Dawsonville will be erecting memorial markers and American flags around town to remember some of those heroes, not only to honor fallen Veterans but also their families and their memories. The names of some Veterans from Dawson County can be seen on the granite wall at Veterans Memorial Park. Visit and embrace the names, stroll along the Walk of Honor, and view the new Fallen Soldier monument recently donated and erected by the Dawson County Veterans Affairs Committee, all surrounded by the flags of the five branches of service. See if it doesn't make the hair stand up on the back or your neck or make your eyes water a little bit.

Two hundred and seven Veteran memorial markers will be put up by members of Etowah Masonic Lodge No. 222, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter No. 970, Dawsonville Lions Club, staff of BB&T Bank, members of Chestatee Masonic Lodge No. 102 and other individual patriots.

More help is needed and appreciated. If you can and would like to assist in placing these markers, be at Etowah Masonic Lodge No. 222 at 8:30 a.m. on June 28 and we'll happily welcome you with a brief on-the-job-training and you'll join with other volunteers. It should not take more than a couple of hours to get the job done.

Upon completion, ride along the streets of Dawsonville, viewing the names on all the markers. You will be proud of what you have done. Of course, help is also needed when the flags and markers will be retired the following week on July 5, weather permitting. You are welcomed and urged to join us one or both of these days. We look forward to having you join with us in this civic event.

William Sexton
The Master of the Flags and Markers
Dawsonville