Vietnam Veterans Memorial Site unveiled in Warner Robins
"It's just an honor that these people have come here to represent what we stood for back then," said Vietnam combat Veteran Michael Driggers.
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Warner Robins held the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Land Tribute Event on Friday to honor the sacrifices and legacy of those who served during the Vietnam War and to unveil the future site of Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Shuttles from Hope Church took guests to the event site, which was packed with Houston and Peach County officials, congress representatives, veterans and their families, and other armed forces who are currently serving.
The Warner Robins Fire Department and Police Department Honor Guard did the Posting of Colors while the National Anthem was sung by Master Sergeant Otis James, USAF (Ret.). The Pledge of Allegiance was read by Chief Wayne Fisher of the Warner Robins Police Department. Representative Shaw Blackmon read House Resolution 17 to honor the veterans.
Many local veterans and military organizations participated in bringing the memorial site to fruition, and according to many in attendance, it was a long time coming as the project has been in the works since 2011.
Vietnam Veteran Tom McLendon, who fought more than a decade for the memorial, was honored by receiving a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Sanford Bishop.
Congressman Sanford Bishop & Tom McLendon (January 17, 2025) (Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)
Five acres of land was donated for the site by Vietnam combat Veteran Michael Driggers.
“I just always wanted a place where people could come,” said Driggers. “It means a whole lot. I mean, it just reaches my heart. I’m a disabled veteran, and it’s just an honor that these people have come here to represent what we stood for back then. I saw a lot of my comrades die in Vietnam, especially friends, and it just touches my heart because these people will not be forgotten. I want these young people to realize these Vietnam veterans, they sacrificed a lot for you, and I just want them to know.”
“When you have constituents, when you have citizens that are interested in accomplishing an objective and they come to their elected officials and they say, ‘This is what we would like to see you help us accomplish,’ it’s incumbent upon us to do our best to make it happen,” said Congressman Sanford Bishop.
“It’s actually overwhelming. I really thought it would never come. The doors kept closing and some of our guys lost hope and Mr. Driggers came along and he saw the problem and opened the last door,” said Bill Carey of the Veterans Board.
“This is a generational thing because we’re all connected in some way. The ones that are connected to the names on the walls, those that bloodline will go on for generations and generations,” said Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick.
“After serving for 25 years, Iraq, Afghanistan, all over the world and visiting war memorials all around the world, I’ve come to believe that they serve two very important roles,” said Colonel Keith Quick of the United States Air Force. “First, they give us a way to preserve and honor the memories of the heroes, ensuring they’re never forgotten. Second, they provide us a touch point with history. So the way we always remember that freedom is not free, and that the defense of our great nation lies with the few that are willing to serve and when called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice.”
“It’s going to be just a great place of reflection and to just honor those people who gave their lives for this country,” said Martin Moseley, Peach County Chairman.
The memorial is located on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Parkway and is in Warner Robins but borders the Houston County-Peach County Line. According to Mayor LaRhonda Patrick, the city has big plans for the site to honor even more veterans.
