Visit 'Cost of Freedom Wall' through Sunday in Young Harris

Posted 6:00AM on Saturday 4th June 2022 ( 1 year ago )

North Georgia residents have a rare opportunity this weekend to visit a traveling memorial listing those who have died serving the United States of America.

Veteran Mel Halfon was one of those in attendance Friday morning at the opening ceremony for the Cost of Freedom Wall in Young Harris.

0:12 {HALFON: “It is an honor to recognize all our veterans and particularly the ones that paid the ultimate price, which is their life. And, you know, I’ve got a couple of buddies I was in Vietnam that are on the wall and it's sad. It brings back a lot of memories.”}

The Cost of Freedom Tribute service Friday morning included a welcome by Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, prayers by Dr. Wade Lott and Towns County Sheriff’s Maj. Eric Wood, introductions by Commander John Harkins, and songs by Summer Rahn of Towns County.

Maj. Bob Bischoff, who was inducted in the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 2015, talked about the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, and the men he lost while serving as the Rifle Company commander advising the Vietnamese Rangers in 1969-1970.

In addition to the Vietnam era veterans listed on the wall, the memorial also includes the following:

Afghanistan and Iraq Warrior Tribute
9/11 Tribute including Tower casualties, Flight 11, Flight 175, Flight 77, and Flight 93
Iran hostage
El Salvador War
USMC Beirut
Grenada Invasion
Libya Air Attack
USS Stark Attack
Panama Invasion
World War I
World War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
Cold War
USS Pueblo

The wall remains on display through Sunday night on the football field at Foster Park Recreation Center, just off Highway 76 in Young Harris.

Visitors to the Cost of Freedom Wall in Towns County look over the memorial.

The North Georgia Honor Guard performs a rifle salute to the fallen during Friday's opening ceremony for the Cost of Freedom Wall in Young Harris.

Those in attendance stand at attention as Summer Rahn of Towns County performs the national anthem.

Those visiting the Cost of Freedom Wall in Young Harris can look for the names of relatives and friends who died serving the USA.

World War II veteran Vaughan Barrett, age 101, talks with some of those in attendance at Friday's opening ceremony for the Cost of Freedom Wall in Young Harris.

In addition to the main memorial wall, the Cost of Freedom Wall also includes smaller panels for a variety of conflicts and campaigns, as well as a salute to those lost on 9/11.

Visitors look for names on the Cost of Freedom Wall in Young Harris.

A bugler from the North Georgia Honor Guard plays Taps.

This view offers an idea of the scope of the Cost of Freedom Wall and display on the football field at the Towns County Recreation Department at Foster Park in Young Harris.

Members of the community gather after Friday morning's opening ceremony for the Cost of Freedom Wall.

Maj. Bob Bischoff, a member of the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame Class of 2015, speaks about the sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel and their families, and about the men he lost while serving as the Rifle Company commander advising the Vietnamese Rangers in 1969-1970.

District 50 State Sen. Bo Hatchett praises the contributions of those who serve in the U.S. Miliary, and honors those lost.

A group of dignitaries, including veterans and county officials, are recognized during Friday's opening ceremony.

Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw welcomes those attending Friday morning's opening ceremony for the Cost of Freedom Wall.

Towns County Sheriff's Maj. Eric Wood delivers the closing prayer at Friday's opening ceremony for the Cost of Freedom Wall.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2022/6/1107497/visit-cost-of-freedom-wall-through-sunday-in-young-harris