The Coweta Commission on Veterans Affairs has a history of making the public aware of the sacrifices made by the veterans of various wars and whose “roots” are in Coweta County. Coming on Oct. 3 and 5 will be Muster IV to honor veterans of the Korean War. Both events are free and the public is encouraged to attend.
The two-day event will begin on Oct. 3 at the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts on Lower Fayetteville Road. Approximately 3000 students from Coweta County elementary, middle and high schools will perform patriotic music, Korean veterans will be honored and awards will be presented to essay contest winners.
The free event begins at 7 p.m.
The Oct. 5 event is free and will be held at the Coweta County fairgrounds from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
The opening ceremony will include flag deliveries, a parachute demonstration and a patriotic ceremony, organizers said.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the day will feature Huey and Cobra helicopter rides, exhibits of military memorabilia by veterans from World War II to present, static displays of military equipment and vehicles, sales by authors of military-related books and a JROTC Drill Team demonstration.
Included during the event will be information booths from Mercer University, University of West Georgia, Brewton Parker College and West Georgia Technical College.
Representatives from military service organizations will be present and the West Georgia Technical College Culinary Arts Dept. will have food for sale.
The Oct. 5 closing ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. and will honor Korean War veterans and include a guest speaker and a remembrance of Korean War soldiers killed in action (KIA). The ceremony will conclude with bagpipe music and taps.
Coweta Commission on Veterans Affairs spokesman Malcolm Jackson said the organization’s mission is “to make the public aware of the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families who stayed at home to take care of business.”
Muster I honored World War II Vets. Muster II honored Vietnam Veterans. And Muster III honored post-Vietnam Veterans.
“Like the Vietnam War veterans in Muster II, we have found that many Korean War veterans do not wish to discuss their experiences,” Jackson said. ”As a result, we have struggled to assemble a list of them. To date, we have accumulated a list of 33 veterans with ‘Coweta Roots.’ We have worked to sign up a list of Korean veterans who served during 1950-1953, not just ‘Boots on the Ground,’ but any who served in the military around the world who may have, or had, any connection with living in Coweta County. Thus, the Coweta Roots.”
Residents of Coweta and Fayette counties who have attended previous musters understand the significance of the events. Those who have not attended might consider doing so. Each muster is a time for both appreciation and sober reflection. And like the others, Muster IV will be an occasion to acknowledge the sacrifices made by local residents who gave much in the service of their country.
