Viewfinder: Cumming Honors Veterans

The City of Cumming held its 2012 Memorial Day Ceremonies Friday at the Veterans War Memorial.

The day's event entitled, "A Generation of Remembrance," commemorated the 20th anniversary of the War Memorial that was completed and dedicated in May 1992.

The ceremonies began with a welcome from Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, followed by the invocation given by Travis Bridgeman, pastor at . Richard Knight, a Veterans of Foreign Wars District Commander for four years and member of the local VFW Post 9143, was this year's Master of Ceremonies.

The Forsyth County Fire Department Honor Guard, and Forsyth Pipe and Drum gave the 'Presentation of Colors' followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The North Georgia Barbershop Singers performed the National Anthem.

The "Avenue of Flags Dedication" was filled with flags donated by the family members of deceased Veterans who served in the United States Military. Some of the flags are flown for soldiers killed in action, some for those who served in times of war, some for prisoners of war and still others for those who served in times of peace. All of whom had earned the honor of a military funeral at their passing in acknowledgement of their service to the United States of America, according to the event's program.

The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute given by the Forsyth County Fire Department Honor Guard, Taps and the release of doves, including a peace dove.

Cumming Patch was there and captured the respectful and memorable event.