One of the visitors was former World War II Navy Seaman Vaughn Woodring of Gainesville, who served in the Pacific Theatre.
"We've got a lot of brave people who are not here today and I was sad about that," Vaughn said as he read the names on the granite pillar in the History Center's Freedom Garden that listed those who served in World War II. "There's been a lot of sweat, blood and tears that went into making this country what it is and we need to appreciate it and carry it on."
Woodring's three brothers served in the Army during the war. Woodring was a crewman on an LST, a large landing craft that transported heavy equipment and tanks onto beachheads.
On display at the History Center is "Art from the Heart, Georgia's Fallen Heroes."
"It is an exhibition created by the Atlanta Fine Arts League to honor Georgians who have given their lives to their country," said History Center volunteer Gates Scoville, a veteran of the Vietnam War.
The exhibit shows 40 paintings of service members who died serving in Iraq and Afghanistan during the war on terrorism there.
"The complete exhibit is around 100 paintings and growing," Scoville said. "The History Center has made a special point of honoring veterans on Memorial Day and will be done in the future."
History Center Director Glen Kyle provided items from his personal World War II collection for the weekend, including uniforms and weapons.
"I've (been) collecting for many years now and I always relish opportunities to take it out and share it," Kyle said. "I try to use it as a springboard to get people to appreciate what these folks went through. It was like a horrible camping trip that lasted three years with people shooting at you."
Vaughn Woodring in the Freedom Garden
Art from the Heart at History Ctr.
Glen Kyle collection at History Ctr.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/5/210280