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Sunday, Jul. 05, 2009

Middle Georgians celebrating Independence Day in different ways

Middle Georgians found many ways to spend this Fourth of July. For some, the holiday provided an occasion to eat good food with friends and family.

For others, it was a time to learn about the nation’s history — but for most everyone it offered an opportunity to celebrate what it means to be an American.

Saturday morning, Christ Chapel in Warner Robins held a service for to honor police officers, firefighters, members of the military and other emergency workers.

For the second year in a row, the church on Moody Road held the Saturday breakfast and service aimed at honoring first-responders.

While the church usually holds weekly “men’s breakfasts,” this one attracted fire trucks, ambulances, sheriff’s vehicles and at least one military vehicle. Tony Khoton, a church member and helper, estimated that at least 350 people showed up for the event and said that they “had enough food for everyone,” thanks to their sponsors.

Tommy Neiman, a Flordia firefighter, author and the speaker at Saturday’s event, told those being honored that they have “an opportunity to be a light in a dark hour” while at work.

“We never know what lies before us, but we know who goes with us,” he said.

Others spent their day learning about history.

At Fort Hawkins in Macon, visitors came to tour the fort, which is only open once or twice a month, said Marty Willett, the chairman of Friends of Fort Hawkins.

Willett dressed up as Col. Benjamin Hawkins, who served as a junior officer on George Washington’s staff, and gave a speech that detailed Hawkin’s influence on American history.

Barbecue and lemonade were available at the event.

Wayne Penham, from Upson County, talked with Willett. “I could listen to him all week,’’ Penham said. ‘‘I’ve always wanted to come to this fort. I think it’s great.”

Celeste Queen, of Macon, also visited the site.

“Fourth of July, next to Christmas, is my favorite holiday,” she said. “I wanted to come over here and celebrate Macon and the Fourth of July.”

At the fort, they fired a cannon without a loaded cannonball. Willett said people told him they could hear the boom from downtown Macon.

Jack’s Bash at the home of Jack Caldwell had a history of its own. Caldwell has been hosting a Fourth of July party at his second home along the Ocmulgee River for 30 years now. New people come every year and he does not know all their names, but he said, “I know everybody on sight.” About 200 people showed up Saturday, Caldwell estimated.

Most brought a covered dish and Caldwell provides the chicken, he said.

“This is it: patriotic music, eat and fellowship,” he said. “I’m a very patriotic person.”

Talk spanned from South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford’s recent scandal to fresh peach ice cream.

Caldwell is careful to make sure those in attendance are enjoying themselves and eating the food.

Judge Taylor Phillips said he has been going to the bash for 20 years. “I don’t think I’ve missed more than one,” he said.

To contact writer Eric Newcomer, call 744-4494