The City of Senoia’s Downtown Development Authority will host a ceremony to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation on Monday, May 30, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at the Senoia City Cemetery located on Stallings Road in Senoia.
Senator Matt Brass, who represents the 28th District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as portions of Troup, Carroll and Fulton Counties, will be a guest speaker at the event. Sen. Brass was raised in Newnan where he attended Newnan High School. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy, and upon completing his service graduated from the University of Georgia. After UGA, Sen. Brass spent seven years as a golf club professional, then worked as a field representative and chief of staff for Congressman Lynn Westmoreland before his election to the Georgia Senate.
Sen. Brass is active in this community where he has served on several local boards including Communities in Schools-Coweta; Elevate, Leadership Coweta, Coweta Community Foundation, the Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity, Newnan Rotary, and as a Deacon at Newnan Presbyterian Church. He was a founding member of Heard County FFA Alumni Association and is a member of American Legion Post 57.
Also speaking at the Ceremony of Remembrance will be Brigadier General Mark Gelhardt. While on active duty Gelhardt was the CIO/CISO of the Clinton White House where he managed all the classified Automation and Telecommunications for the President, VP, the White House Staff, and the Secret Service.
Gelhardt is the author of “My Time at the Clinton White House.” He is a well-known speaker on topics of The White House, Politics, Leadership, Mentorship, the Military, Volunteer Service, Emergency Response, Disaster Recovery, Information Technology, Cyber Security, and Motivation. He is a retired Army Officer and Combat Veteran. He is currently the Commanding General of the Georgia State Defense Force, an all-volunteer auxiliary to the Georgia Department of Defense.
Prior to the start of the event, Boy Scouts from Turin Methodist Church will mark each veteran’s grave in the Senoia City Cemetery with an American flag. The Full Throttle Formation Team is scheduled to perform a flyover at the event, weather permitting. The East Coweta High School JROTC will serve as Color Guard at the event. Jonathan Leak will perform on the bagpipes and Madison Batchelor, a choral student from East Coweta High School will sing the National Anthem.
Everyone is welcome to attend this Ceremony of Remembrance. This family friendly event is a great opportunity to educate youth about the importance and significance of the Memorial Day holiday. Those interested in attending are encouraged to bring a chair, as seating is limited. Golf cart parking and vehicle parking will be available on the cemetery grounds. For more information about the event, email SenoiaMemorialDay@gmail.com.
