Editor, After all that has been said and done, I want to take a moment to reflect and thank the Hinesville Military Affairs Committee members and supporters for all their love and dedication to our first Veterans Salute event.
First, let me thank those who were responsible for the event publicity, logistics and for getting the word out about our first Veterans Salute. Thanks also go out to those who solicited items for raffle and door-prize drawing.
I thank Mr. Dennis Fitzgerald for his work on the day of the event. He organized and conducted the Veterans Day parade in downtown Hinesville. Many along the procession route waved flags in support of our veterans.
After the parade, the committee reassembled at Bryant Commons for HMAC’s first Veterans Salute activities, which started at noon with the national anthem played by the 3rd Infantry Division Band, a prayer from Hinesville First United Methodist Church Pastor Rev. Richard Wright and a welcome and occasion by Mr. George Holtzman. I then called for a greeting from Hinesville Mayor James Thomas Jr., Liberty County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette, 3rd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Mike Murray and Sen. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler.
After the greeting, I turned the program over to Ms. Karen Bell for the entertainment segment. She introduced several groups that performed for about four hours. During that period, five door-prize drawing and one raffle were conducted by Mr. P.J. Schneider. Near the end of the program, all the vendors on the field were thanked.
Again, this was our first Veterans Salute to help raise funds to build a veterans memorial at Bryant Commons. The memorial, which is expected to cost just under $1 million, will honor all five branches of the military.
I appreciate everyone who worked to support our effort to honor our service members and our retired military veterans. In conclusion, our first Veterans Salute on Nov. 16 went very well. A nice crowd of attendees enjoyed live entertainment, food, arts and craft for children and vendors. I hope to see you all next year.

— Hinesville City Councilman David Anderson Sr.
Hinesville Military Affairs Committee, chairman