Veterans Day 2025
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Appling County Veterans standing in front of courthouse memorial
The annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony were held in town on Tuesday, November 11.
The parade was of good length and had suitable representation from the community.
Despite the brisk 40-degree weather, the event was well attended by the community, with hundreds gathering at the courthouse in support.
Citizens attend Veterans Day Ceremony
Members of the Pirate Brigade accompanied David Williams in his singing of the Star Spangled Banner.
Chanda Teston presented this year’s guest speaker, Appling County native and retired Sergeant Major Al Meadows.
Retired Sergeant Major Al Meadows
Meadows fulfilled his dream of joining the service, even against the wishes of his veteran father, entering in 1983 and retiring in 2009 with 25 years of service. While there, he knew he was where he belonged, serving 6 years in the 2nd Ranger Battalion and 19 years in Special Forces. His awards and decorations include the Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Jumpmaster badge, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster badge, jumpmaster badges from Korea, Malaysia, Australia, and Jordan; the Combat Infantry badge, five Meritorious Service Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, and the Legion of Merit.
Citizens raised their flags in solidarity as Williams again graced the audience with a solo rendition of “God Bless the USA.”
David Williams and Pirate Brigade
The program closed with prayer and the playing of taps, and Veterans lined the memorial to take photos with their families. Lunch followed at the American Legion post.
