Cumming Memorial Day Ceremonies On Track Despite Monument Issues

CUMMING, Ga. — Despite severe damage to the monument at the City's Veterans War Memorial, the annual Memorial Day Ceremonies will still be held at the site, located next door to the Cumming Police Department. Ceremonies will be held on Friday, May 24, beginning at 11 a.m. The rain location is the Cumming Fairgrounds' covered arena.

As in years past, several new American flags in honor of local deceased veterans will be added, weather permitting, to the City's Avenue of Flags display at the Veterans War Memorial, bringing the total number of flags on display to more than 250. The ceremonies will also feature presentations from the Forsyth County Fire & Sheriff's Department Honor Guard, a dove release by Georgia Doves, patriotic live music, and a keynote address from Brigadier General Reginald G.A. Neal of the Georgia Army National Guard.

Parking for the event is available in the Castleberry Road Parking Deck, at the Cumming Fairgrounds, and at the Cumming Police Department - but the City asks that the Police Department parking be for reserved for the elderly and individuals with mobility issues.

Severe structural damage to the main portion of the monument at the War Memorial was discovered in early April. Since then, crews have been working to shore up the structure. City leaders are still deciding if the monument will remain at the current location or if it will be incorporated into a new Veterans' Memorial at the future Cumming City Center. The issue will likely be further discussed by Mayor and City Council during upcoming City Council meetings.

The Veterans War Memorial was dedicated in 1992 in response to the Persian Gulf War, and the Avenue of Flags was added to the City's Memorial Day event in 1995.