THOMASVILLE- John B. Gordon Chapter 383 held their 149^th Memorial Day Service on April 22^nd, in honor of their ancestors, veterans of all wars and Homeland Defense Service.  The service was held at Dawson Street Methodist Church, Thomasville, Georgia. 

Robert H. Parrish, Jr. performed the Prelude of period and patriotic music before the service, and the Interludes between medal presentations.

Joe Ashcraft, piper, performed “Welcome Home” for the Procession of UDC members and medal recipients.

Sheila M. Tucker, Past President welcomed the assembly, and the Invocation was given by chapter member Joan Cooper.  Tucker led the pledges to the United States Flag, State of Georgia Flag and salute to the First National Flag. 

“The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Dixie’s Land” were led by Dorothy Maxwell, Chapter Vice President, accompanied by Robert H. Parrish, Jr. 

Tucker with the assistance of Penny Gaskins, presented Crosses of Military Service Medals, National Defense Service Medals, American Patriot Medal, and Homeland Defense Service Medals.  Recipients were escorted by Recorder of Military Service Awards, Dianne Ponder. 

Cross of Military Service Medals were presented to Charlie Elvin Lewis, Medal No. 4385, for his service inThe Vietnam Conflict as a Captain 221^st Aviation Company, United States Army, on the service of his great-great-grandfather Hezekiah P. Williams, who served honorably as a Private in Company K, 26^th Regiment, Georgia Infantry, WBTS.

Stanley Gerald McLeod received Medal No. 4393 for his service in The Vietnam Conflict as a Sergeant in the 1974^th Communications Group, United States Air Force, on the service of his great-great-grandfather James N. McLeod, who served honorably as a Corporal in Company H, 20^th, Georgia Infantry, WBTS.

Christopher Allen Upton received Medal No. 0381 for his service in The Global War on Terror as a Tech Sergeant in the 455^th Air Expeditionary Wing, United States Air Force on the service of his great-great-great-grandfather W. J. Croy who served honorably as a Private in Company I, 38^th, Georgia Infantry, WBTS.

National Defense Medals were presented to Larry Keith McLeod, Medal No. 3283, for his service in The Persian Gulf Operation/Desert Storm as a Chief Petty Officer at Naval Air Station 

Cecil Field, United States Navy, received a medal on the service of his great-great-grandfather James N. McLeod, who served honorably as a Corporal in Company H, 20^th, Georgia Infantry, WBTS.

George Allen Upton was awarded Medal No. 3285 for his service in The Vietnam Conflict as a Radioman/Petty Officer Third Class aboard the U.S.S. Aeolus, United States Navy on the service of his great-great-grandfather W. J. Croy who served honorably as a Private in Company I, 38^th, Georgia Infantry, WBTS.

The American Patriot Award was presented to Gregory Payton Thweatt, Medal No. 96 for his faithful and honorable service having served in Grenada, Korea, and Germany as a Sergeant in the 17^th Armored Engineer Battalion 2^nd Armored Division United States Army.

The Homeland Defense Service/First Responder Award was established at the 123^rd Annual General Convention in 2016 in Richmond, Virginia.  The award is bestowed upon those who acted courageously to protect other citizens in dangerous situations, which reflect honor upon themselves. Homeland Defense Service/First Responder Awards were presented to Steven O. Jones, Medal No. 081,Thomas County Sheriff’s Department; Mark Sealy, Medal No. 079,Thomas County EMS/Firefighter; Jack Martin Smith, Medal No. 078; Thomas County EMS and Mark Anthony Upton, Medal No. 080, Archbold Medical Centers.                                                                                      

Tribute to Real Daughters was presented by Jinanne Parrish, Chapter Member. Anita Ward, Chapter Register presented the Tribute to WBTS Veterans. Tribute to Veterans of All Wars was presented by Charlotte Brown, Chapter Member. The Tribute to Homeland Defense/First Responders was presented by Penny Gaskins, Chapter Member. Tribute to States Supporting CSA was presented by Doris Davies, Chapter Chaplain with the assistance of Judy Peterson, Chapter member. Tribute to UDC Members was presented by Chapter Member Florence Harrell.     

Dianne Ponder, Chapter Recorder of Military Service Awards, introduced Speaker, Randy Young. Young spoke on “Why This Still Matters,” which focused on how the Confederacy and its citizens impacted American history and modern society.

The program concluded by the assembly singing “How Firm a Foundation”, led by Dorothy Maxwell, Chapter Vice President, accompanied by Robert H. Parrish, Jr, and the Benediction given by Chapter Chaplain, Doris Davies.

“Taps” was performed by John Gray, Trumpeter. Gray is a 2015 Cross of Military Service recipient, which was received from the John B. Gordon UDC chapter. 

Many expressions of gratitude were extended by those attending the service. The medal recipients were especially grateful and honored to receive such prestigious awards and to follow in their ancestors’ footsteps by protecting and preserving this great country of Freedom.