Laurens County Unveils Veterans Park in Moving Veterans Day Ceremony

A crowd of community members, veterans, and local leaders gathered at Laurens County Veterans Park on November 11 for a heartfelt Veterans Day ceremony, which included the unveiling of new monuments dedicated to honoring local veterans from all branches of the military.

The program began with a warm welcome from Laurens Mayor Nathan Senn, who acknowledged special guests and highlighted the significance of the dedication. “This is a historic moment for Laurens County,” Senn said. “These monuments are more than just stones; they symbolize our deep gratitude and serve as lasting reminders of the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served. As the county seat, the City of Laurens is proud to serve as home to many of our county-wide efforts to preserve memories and educate future generations.”

Laurens County Council Chairman Brown Patterson took a moment to acknowledge those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the project to completion. “This ceremony is a small way for us to show our gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by our veterans,” Patterson shared. “The unveiling of the new monuments is a testament to our community’s ongoing commitment to honor their legacy and the dedication of those who helped make this park a reality.”

Ernie Segars, a member of the advisory committee for the park, expressed his gratitude to Laurens County Council and the citizens of Laurens County for their support through the Capital Projects Sales Tax, which made the park possible. He acknowledged fellow committee members, including James “Buck” Buchanan, Claude Vaughn, Chuck Seaver, Matt Smith, and Robert Sapp, all of whom brought their unique perspectives as veterans. Segars also recognized the contributions of the late King Dixon, the late Joe Nixon, and Tom Arnold, whose early involvement helped shape the project.

The vision for the Veterans Park was initially sparked by the Laurens County Hall of Heroes when King Dixon served as Chairman. Dixon’s leadership and early advocacy laid the foundation for what would become a county-wide tribute to veterans. The unveiling of the monuments today brought this long-held vision to reality, honoring Dixon’s legacy and the efforts of those who continued to champion the project.

Senator Danny Verdin, in his remarks, recalled the story from Joshua 4 of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River on dry land. He spoke of how Joshua instructed 12 men, one from each tribe, to take a stone from the riverbed and place it at their camp as a testimony. Verdin said, “Like the stones left by the 12 tribes to praise God and give testimony, the monuments we celebrate today remind us of the many men and women who have served our country and their service to God and Country.”

Command Sergeant Major Doug Gilliam, a retired Army veteran and current State Representative for House District 42, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on his 26 years of military service, which included combat in Afghanistan and peacekeeping in Kosovo. “A veteran is a special breed of warrior,” Gilliam shared. “They are selfless, hard-working, and willing to lay down their lives to protect our nation. To me, every veteran is a true hero.”

Gilliam also took a moment to acknowledge the critical role of military families, saying, “Behind every service member stands a family who also sacrifices. Their unwavering support, resilience, and love are the backbone of our military. The strength of our nation’s defense rests not only on the shoulders of our soldiers but also on the families who stand by them.”

Gilliam spoke about the deep bond shared by veterans, regardless of the era or branch in which they served. He reminded the audience of the origins of Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, and urged everyone to thank veterans for their service. “They have earned our gratitude and respect,” he emphasized.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from County Administrator Maj. Thomas Higgs, who highlighted the park’s proximity to an elementary school and public library as an opportunity for veterans to share their stories with younger generations. “This is an ideal location to inspire future generations to learn about and appreciate our military,” Higgs noted.

As the program ended, a moment of reflection was observed at 11 a.m., marked by the playing of Taps in remembrance of the sacrifices made by veterans. Attendees lingered for coffee and fellowship, sharing stories and appreciating the newly dedicated space—a fitting tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our nation.