Warner Robins honors late service members in Memorial Day ceremony

The ceremony was hosted by Disabled American Veterans Chapter 33.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Today, Middle Georgians gathered to remember their loved ones and others who have put their lives on the line for the country they loved in a Warner Robins Memorial Day ceremony.

Jacqueline Sapp was in attendance to honor her late husband Master Sgt. Anthony D. Sapp Sr., who served for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force.

“He gave his life, his entire life, to serving this country,” Sapp said. 

This Memorial Day, Sapp says she’s thinking of all the men and women who have ever been in uniform. She says we should uplift their family members each day, as it takes strength to face the uncertainty of military service.

“We don’t just remember this day,” Sapp said. “Because in Middle Georgia, every day is armed forces appreciation day.”

The keynote speaker was retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Jonathan McColumn, who was an active member for 31 years. A Warner Robins native, McCollumn’s career includes providing equipment during Operation Desert Storm and working at the Pentagon when it was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. McColumn says America pulling through the toughest of times again and again shows it’s worth continuing to fight for.

“Freedoms that we enjoy are not free,” McColumn said. “And unfortunately, sometimes they’re paid for by the blood of those who have gone on before us.”

Mccolumn says we can best show our appreciation on Memorial Day by attending ceremonies and paying a visit to America’s national cemeteries. On other days, he says shaking a veteran’s hand and telling them thank you is enough. McColumn adds that gestures like these can help secure our freedoms in the long run.

“We realize that once upon a time, in the Vietnam era, those who returned were not treated as well,” McColumn said. “But now I’ve noticed that there is an era of appreciation for that. And that rings well for all those who have served. And it helps those that want to serve in the future in knowing that when they return, that America is grateful for their service.”