Honoring Veterans: Macon community honors veterans at Linwood Cemetery

The ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Lester Miller and Commissioner Stanley Stewart, honoring fallen Macon hero Sgt. Rodney Davis and veterans past and present.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon community gathered at the historic Linwood Cemetery on Veterans Day to honor the brave men and women who have served our country.

The event drew veterans, their families, local leaders and residents. Speakers included Mayor Lester Miller and Commissioner Stanley Stewart, who spoke about unity and the lasting legacy of those who served.

Mayor Miller called for peace and love to guide the community, reminding attendees that the freedoms enjoyed today are the result of veterans’ sacrifices.

“We got some real heroes over here, meaning that they made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy freedom. So we’re here today to celebrate them, their life, and make sure that this legacy continues,” said Mayor Miller.

Commissioner Stewart spoke about the historic significance of Linwood Cemetery, mentioning the importance of keeping the memory of past generations alive through collective effort and togetherness.

“They’ve given so much to our nation so that we may live in freedom, you know, and so that we have the freedoms that we enjoy. But the best way for us to make sure that we honor them is by honoring our togetherness as citizens here in this day and time,” Stewart said.

The ceremony honored Sgt. Rodney Davis, a Macon native who lost his life in Vietnam at the age of 25. His brother, Gordon Davis—himself a veteran—offered heartfelt remarks about Rodney’s dedication and the comfort he has found over the years in his brother’s sacrifice.

“As I grow older, I’ve learned to have some comfort in knowing what he did and the respect and love he had for the country,” Gordon Davis said.

The event served as a reminder that honoring veterans goes beyond a single day of remembrance. It is a continuous commitment to living with purpose and fostering the unity and freedoms that so many have fought to protect. As the ceremony concluded, attendees left Linwood Cemetery with a renewed sense of appreciation for the service and legacy of veterans, both past and present.

If you would like to support the preservation and ongoing care of historic Linwood Cemetery, you can contribute to the Linwood Cemetery Endowment Fund, which is administered by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.