Memorial Day Ceremony Honors Fallen Heroes at Patriots Park
GADSDEN, Ala. — The Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association (GEPA) hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, to honor those who gave their lives in service to the United States. The solemn event took place at Ola Lee Mize Patriots Park, located adjacent to Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden.
Among the attendees was Mrs. Betty Mize, widow of the park’s namesake, Col. Ola Lee Mize, a Medal of Honor recipient and local hero.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Joyce Shelley, Chairperson of the GEPA. The Gadsden City High School JROTC Color Guard, under the command of Col. Wayne Davenport, presented the Colors, followed by the national anthem, beautifully sung by Sylvia Coleman. Mr. Billy Harris then offered an invocation to set a respectful tone for the event.
A highlight of the ceremony was a moving portrayal by Craig Scott of Chief Gunner’s Mate George Franklin Towers, a Leesburg, Alabama native and the first World War II casualty from Alabama. Towers, a former Gadsden police officer, was honored not just for his military service but also for his local legacy.
Frank Godfrey and Donnie Moon laid a commemorative wreath near the park’s monument in memory of fallen service members. The Etowah County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard followed with a rifle salute, and a student representative from Gadsden City High School performed “Taps.”
The JROTC Honor Guard then retired the Colors, and Mr. Harris delivered a benediction. The ceremony concluded with a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace” played on bagpipes.
The Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association remains committed to promoting patriotism, responsible citizenship, and support for America’s military—past, present, and future. As their mission declares: “All gave some, but some gave all.” This annual event continues to serve as a powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the nation’s fallen heroes.
