Veteran's Day was well marked in the county with celebrations both at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Black Shoals Park and at the American Legion Post 77.

At Post 77, guest speaker Air Force Col. Larry Hoff spoke of his personal experiences, losses, the meaning of service and the purpose for Veterans Day. The Post also presented Donna and David Bowles with a plaque in honor of their son, James, who is currently on tour in Afghanistan with the Ga. Army National Guard. James Bowles was named the Guard's Soldier of the Year and is Post 77's Hero of the Month.

At Black Shoals Park, residents gathered to debut the newly completed stage portion of the Walk of Heroes memorial, a project that began almost a decade ago.

"This will become the 'Arlington of the South,'" said Tommy Clack, director of the regional Veteran's Services office and head of the Memorial Foundation board.

Former Comissioner Bud Soesbee, who along with former Comissioner Norman Wheeler, and the late former Comissioner Randy Poynter, spearheaded the project, said this park was for veterans throughout the country, not just in Georgia.

Guest speaker Air Force Msgt. Val Archer, an original Tuskegee Airman and Rockdale resident, emphasized the importance of education and of spreading awareness of America's history.

For more on this story, see Saturday's edition of The Rockdale News.