By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Patty Leon: A congratulations and a thank you
Patty Leon new

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2022.

You’ve made it through the difficult years of learning amid a pandemic. In-class learning, virtual learning, hybrid learning, you’ve seen it all. This past weekend you got to walk across the stage and get your diploma.

That’s a great thing!

Some of you will go off to college, others will join the military, some might go to a trade or technical school and others are already starting their jobs and careers.

I am proud of you.

There might be some students who didn’t get to cross the stage. Some, who for whatever reason, didn’t get their diploma.

Maybe you fell short on grades or credits needed.

Maybe there is another reason.

I recall I had a lot going on during my younger school years. I struggled with various issues, peer pressure, bullying, and uncertainty about stuff. I felt alone and too ashamed to ask for help from my parents, family and friends. I dropped out three weeks prior to the end of my junior year.

My message to you is, never give up on your dreams. Take the time to care for your needs first and school will always be there if that is what you want to do. I eventually got my GED and attended a vocational school getting a degree. Later I attended a technical school and learned a trade.

It’s okay if you didn’t graduate this past weekend. There are many famous people who never finished high school.

Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Walt Disney, Richard Branson, Harry Houdini, KFC founder Colonel Harland Sanders and author Charles Dickens to name a few.

They still set their minds to their desires and went for it. They likely failed several times but kept getting up, brushing the dust off, and moving forward.

So, go out there and do you!

On to the next topic!

Last Saturday was Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces Day is a special holiday to thank the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. The holiday was established in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman.

Monday is Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is a day for remembering, honoring and mourning U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.

I want to say thank you to all who have served and thank you to the families of those who served but died for our freedoms.

On Saturday May 28, Fort Morris State Park will commemorate Memorial Day offering hourly Revolutionary War soldier talks and musket and cannon demonstrations. Visitors may explore the site’s beautiful vista from the earthen fort, over the Medway River. The admission price is $3 for children ages 6-17, $4.50 for adults and $4 for seniors 62 and up.

Also, on Saturday B& N Truck 2nd annual D.A.V. bike ride and cookout on Memorial Day weekend.

The Bike ride starts at 10 a.m. at the Savannah Harley Davidson shops and leaves for the Veterans Memorial Walk at Bryant Commons Park, 438 W Oglethorpe Highway. At 12:30 p.m. the convoy will head to B& N Trucking 4873 Old Louisville Road, Garden City for the cookout. For more information call (912) 355-7422.

On Monday the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville will host a Memorial Day ceremony. Elements of Ft. Stewart’s 3rd Infantry Division will participate in the event, along with members of the Glennville VFW Post 8379 and American Legion Post 95. Keynote speaker is LT COL Joseph Handke, the Commander of 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team for the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Veterans, their families, and the general public are invited to attend. The event is on Monday at 11:30am at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery 8819 US HWY 301, Glennville, GA 30427.

This Memorial Day weekend let’s remember this is much more than just a three-day weekend and be thankful for the men and women in the Armed Forces.

With that being said, it is a three-day weekend.

People are more than likely to be hitting the roads and travel. Drive safe, keep your eyes open for motorcyclists, don’t drink and drive and be mindful of others on the roadways.

Sign up for our e-newsletters