Bamberg, South Carolina (November 11, 2020) - Although the sky was dark with intermittent downpours, more than 250 gathered on Veterans Day, to dedicate the Bamberg County Veterans Memorial which honors each branch of the United States Armed Forces with the branch flag, monument commemorating the branch’s history, customized metal bench and dedicatory brick pavers.

Participants also unveiled a first-of-its-kind brick sculpture "By Land, By Sea, By Air" by sculptor Brad Spencer, and above all, demonstrated respect and gratitude to those who have served our great nation in the United States Military.

Reverend Isaiah Odom, Bamberg County Councilman led the invocation, followed by Bamberg Ehrhardt Highschool JROTC’s Presentation of the Colors. The boom of cannon fire from the Revolutionary War Cannon manned by volunteers with the SC Battleground Preservation Trust, introduced the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Bamberg County Councilman Larry Haynes.

Major General James E. Livingston, a Medal of Honor recipient, who distinguished himself by heroic actions during the Vietnam War, gave the keynote address. Major General Livingston is a Marine Corps veteran who actively served for 33 years before retiring on September 1, 1995. Livingston concluded his address, "Thank God I live in the United States of America and may that flag always wave. May God always be in our presence and may service and sacrifice continue to represent the best of this great country." 

Additional speakers included Senator Brad Hutto, Representative Justin Bamberg, City/County Council Members, City of Bamberg Mayor Nancy Foster, and Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston. 

Program participants included Operation Enduring Honor, South Carolina State Guard, South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, Celebrate Freedom Foundation, Quilts of Valor Foundation, Patriots Point Foundation, Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve and the Patriot Guard Riders.

The ceremony concluded with the Benediction by Bamberg County Councilman Reverend Evert Comer, Jr.

Click here to see the photo album on the Bamberg County Facebook page.

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