THOMASVILLE- Members from across the community gathered at the Ritz Amphitheater on Thursday afternoon for a special homecoming ceremony, welcoming back the Honorable Lloyd J. Austin III, the 28th United States Secretary of Defense for a street renaming ceremony.

The street that now bears Austin III’s name was intentionally selected to highlight the history of the Bottom District, which celebrates Thomasville’s African American history and heritage, and honors Austin III as the first African American male in Thomasville to have a street named after him.

Former Assistant City Manager Kha McDonald led the ceremony, welcoming in the hundreds of attendees there to witness the celebration.

“It is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome you all to witness and celebrate the exceptional contributions of one of our nation’s finest leaders, the 28th Secretary of Defense the Honorable Lloyd J. Austin III,” she said.

McDonald explained the ceremony was not just a moment to rename a street, but to commemorate the legacy of a Four Star General, whose dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment inspired generations.

“Welcome home, Secretary Austin,” she said proudly, before acknowledging the multiple guests who made the trek to support Austin.

“We are all here to honor and celebrate the journey traveled, the sacrifices made, and the dedication of Secretary Austin by renaming the gateway to the Ritz Amphitheater as GEN Lloyd J. Austin III Way,” McDonald said.

Mayor Todd Mobley followed up McDonald, by sharing the City’s great pride in welcoming Austin home.

“As a City, we take great pride in honoring those who serve with honor and distinction,” Mobley said. “Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III stands as a direct example of what it means to serve with integrity, resilience, and selflessness.”

Mobley went on to say Austin III has exemplified leadership at the highest level, gaining respect and admiration from colleagues, peers, and his hometown. Mobley was proud to say the renaming of Stevens St. will now represent the distinguished career of Austin III, reminding all those who pass by of the values Thomasville holds near and dear.

“Today, we stand united in gratitude for the profound impact Sec. Austin has had on our community and country,” he said. “This street renaming is a small token of our appreciation for a lifetime of service that continues to inspire us all… your legacy will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of those who call this community home.”

Following Mobley and McDonald’s words of thanks, Deputy District Director Paul Fryer presented Austin with a personal letter from the office of U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop.

“Vivian and I, along with constituents of the 2nd congressional district of Georgia extend our warmest wishes as the City of Thomasville names a street in your honor,” Bishop penned. “This is a singular achievement in your life, one that you truly deserve. I regret that I am unable to attend the event in person.”

Bishop concluded with a quote, “It has been said that service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy here on Earth, and you have paid your rent abundantly.”

Fryer echoed the sentiments, thanking Austin and those who served in the military to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

“Secretary Austin, you have lived up to that oath in strong and long-lasting terms,” Fryer said, presenting him with a certificate of special Congressional recognition.

Thanking Fryer for his certificate, and those in attendance, Austin then took to the podium, detailing the lasting impacts Thomasville had on his career.

“I’ve done a lot of traveling over the past four years, but this trip is special; this trip is coming home,” Austin said. “Thomasville is where it all began for me and my family.”

Looking out over the crowd, Austin told those in attendance he was moved to see former teachers, coaches, and classmates, some of whom have been with Austin for every Army promotion ceremony and change of command.

“I am incredibly grateful for all the support that you all have given me over the years,” he said.

During his time as Secretary of Defense, Austin noted that he traveled to every corner of the Earth, but no matter where he went, he was proud to say he was from Thomasville, the City of Roses.

“This (Thomasville) is where I learned to believe in myself, this is where I learned to believe in America, this is where I learned my jump-shot, this is where I learned the power of teamwork, this is where I learned to work hard, this is where I learned my Bible and my faith, this is where I learned the importance of family, this is where I learned the power of community, and this is where I learned the spirit of public service,” Austin said.

Growing up in Thomasville, Austin said he quickly learned he couldn’t just sit back and dream big.

“You had to get up and get after it,” he explained.

Reminiscing on his time as the captain of the Bulldogs Basketball squad, Austin said he was a pretty good rebounder and defender, but he was only good because of his coaches. These coaches, though not always friendly, taught Austin the importance of a continued work ethic.

“Thomasville has always been big on athletics; it really brought the community together,” Austin said. “We all learned the importance of playing fair, playing to win, and working together, and I’ve carried those lessons in teamwork with me everywhere I go.”

Beyond his lessons in teamwork, Austin attributed his success to the small-town values he learned in Thomasville from his parents, schools, and church.

The son of a postal worker and homemaker, Austin said his parents always told him he could achieve whatever he put his mind to. But, he would have to work for it.

“Those words rang in the head the rest of my life,” he said. “I never focused on being a Four Star General, I simply worked on being the best I could be in every room.”

Being the best in the room awarded Austin a 41-year career in public service that he and the Thomasville community will never forget.

“It led me to become the only Four Star General in the West Point Class of 1975. It led me to command soldiers in battle at the One Star, Two Star, Three Star, and Four Star levels, and then in an unexpected lass battle, I served for four years as the Secretary of Defense,” he said proudly. “After those four years, it’s incredibly moving to be back where my life’s journey began.”

Concluding a standing ovation for Austin, City of Thomasville Project Manager and West Point graduate Eve Geyer presented a proclamation on behalf of the City, before allowing the Thomasville City Council, with the help of Austin unveil the new GEN Lloyd J. Austin III Way signage.