Land tribute for Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Warner Robins draws a crowd. Here’s more

A long-held vision for a Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Warner Robins is a step closer to reality.

Friday, Vietnam and other veterans, representatives of the U.S. Air Force and military-honoring nonprofits gathered with city, state and federal elected officials at a Vietnam Veterans Memorial land tribute event.

The event was held at the future home of the memorial on a five-acre site off Vietnam Veterans Memorial Parkway near Watson Boulevard in a portion of Warner Robins that’s also in Peach County.

The property was donated to the city of Warner Robins by Vietnam veteran Mike Driggers, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and shares his story with other veterans to help them cope with the tragedies of war.

The memorial will honor the sacrifices and legacy of those who served during the Vietnam War with a marble wall engraved with the names of 1,584 Georgians who did not return home from the Vietnam War.

“Today, we do this not for us but for those who never walked Georgia soil again after going to the Vietnam War,” Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick told more than 150 people gathered for the event.

“We do it for their families, their loved ones and also for the ones who did return but did not receive the welcome that they so deserved. Welcome home and thank you for your service and for your continued sacrifice,” she said.

All the Vietnam veterans in attendance were asked to stand.

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, a Democrat whose sprawling 2nd Congressional District includes Peach County and parts of Houston and Bibb counties, shared a personal story about his childhood friend Thaddeus Williams, who served in the Vietnam War as a reconnaissance pilot and was missing in action for over three decades before his remains were finally recovered and returned home.

Bishop also presented veteran Tom McLendon with a certificate of special congressional recognition for outstanding achievement, service and public distinction in advocating for the memorial for over a decade.

Bishop thanked Driggers for donating the land and noted that Patrick has kept her promise, made when she was a mayoral candidate, to build the memorial.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the veterans, service members and military families that are gathered here today, especially those Vietnam vets,” Bishop told the crowd.

“Your services and your sacrifices that you and your families make and have made in defense of the Constitution and our country allow us to enjoy the rights and the liberties that make our country the greatest country on the face of the earth.”

Bishop was given a cap with “Project 1584” emblazoned on it, in reference to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial project in Warner Robins.

U.S. Air Force Col. Keith Quick of the 78th Air Base Wing at Robins Air Force Base noted that memorials serve two important roles.

“First, they give us a way to preserve and honor the memories of the heroes, ensuring they are never forgotten,” Quick said. “Second, they provide us a touch point with history, so that we may always remember that freedom is not free and that the defense of our great nation lies with the few that are willing to serve and, when called upon, make the ultimate sacrifice.”

Quick, whose father also served in the Vietnam War, ended his remarks by offering a salute to all the Vietnam veterans in the area.

Peach County Commission Chairman Martin Moseley, whose father served in World War II, noted that the memorial will provide “a great place of reflection and to just honor those people who gave their lives for this country.”

State Rep. Shaw Blackmon, R-Bonaire, read aloud House Bill 17, which aims to honor and recognize Vietnam veterans who were victims of Agent Orange who have died from or suffer health issues from the tactical herbicide that was used by the U.S. military. Blackmon is one of the sponsors of the bill.

The land tribute event also included acknowledgment of all the public officials and nonprofit groups in attendance, a prayer, a posting of the colors, singing of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Additionally, a sign recognizing the property as the future site of the memorial was unveiled, with photos taken in front of the sign.

About $300,000 has been set aside for the first phase of the memorial, which will include the marble wall as well as recognition of Gulf War veterans and Agent Orange victims in a manner to be determined, according to Patrick.

The second phase is expected to include construction of a building to serve as a welcome center for the city, she said.

Patrick’s great-uncle, whose name will appear on the memorial wall, and her grandfather, who lives in Moultrie, served in the Vietnam War.

This story was originally published January 17, 2025 at 8:19 PM.