Nearly Half Million Georgians Now Tested For Coronavirus

ACROSS GEORGIA — While the coronavirus pandemic has caused the cancellation of traditional Memorial Day parades, picnics and ceremonies, Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp said this holiday honoring those who lost their lives serving the country shouldn't go unnoticed.

He invited residents to pay tribute to America's fallen soldiers by stepping outside and watching the Georgia Army National Guard flyover on Memorial Day.

"On Memorial Day, helicopters of the Georgia Army National Guard will fly over north and south Georgia in honor of our fallen and to remind us all of the debt we owe for the high price that has been paid for our liberty," said Kemp on his Twitter page.

Four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters with the 78th Aviation Troop Command will depart Clay National Guard Center in Marietta at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

Their route will include Grady Health System, Stone Mountain Park, Northside Hospital Gwinnnett, Lake Lanier, Northside Hospital Forsyth, Northside Hospital Cherokee, Georgia National Cemetery, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park and will include at the Marietta National Cemetery at 12:09 p.m.

Source: Georgia National Guard

Additionally, Kemp posted a tribute to America's fallen heroes by students at Athens Academy.

During the last month of the school year, social studies teacher Marion Marvel and drama teacher Lorraine Thompson collaborated on a project for their seventh graders, making World War II battles come alive through radio broadcasts.

Students researched their assigned battles and scripted their broadcasts, then recorded and edited the finished product. Thompson linked all the broadcasts together into one audio/video production.

"We are honored to share these students’ work over Memorial Day weekend, as we honor the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country and for our freedom," Thompson said.

While remembering those who fought for America, Kemp acknowledged those now fighting in the war against the coronavirus.

He said emergency management and health service officials are focused on providing resources to medical facilities and nursing homes across the state. To date, more than 16,432 resource requests have been processed, he said.

As of Saturday afternoon, Georgia has tested 453,537 people and found 42,132 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

Of those testing positive, 7,411 were admitted to the hospital with 1,678 place in intensive care. To date, 1,811 Georgia residents have died after contracting the coronavirus.

Courtesy Georgia EMA