Zellers and

47 others were killed, but not before Zellers opened a

flood valve on a burning powder train, an act of bravery

that saved the ship and its crew.

Zellers'

heroism was honored in 1944 when the Naval destroyer USS

Zellers was launched in the lieutenant's honor.

The men who

served on the Zellers gather each June 12 to celebrate

Thomas Zellers Day.

In January

of this year, the city of Grantville received a request

for permission for members of his organization to conduct

a wreath ceremony tomorrow at Zellers' grave site in

Grantville.

To help

commemorate the occasion, the city has obtained a

historical marker from the Georgia Historical Society to

place at the grave site.

The Zellers

Association also has donated a flagpole and monument to

commemorate the burial site of the naval hero.

The

ceremony kicks off at 9 a.m. in downtown Grantville with

a performance by the Navy band of Jacksonville, followed

Force ROTC and the Marine Corp ROTC of East Coweta High

School.

Following a

reception for the Zellers Association and distinguished

guests, a parade procession starts at 10:30 a.m. and

leads to the city cemetery.

After the

ceremony at the cemetery, the festivities start heating

up with entertainment scheduled from 1 - 10 p.m.

Magicians,

line dancers and gospel groups are some of the

entertainment options in the afternoon that lead up to an

old fashioned street dance at 6 p.m. in the heart of the

town.

In addition

to the entertainment, visitors can chow down on Georgia

barbecue and watch the Little Miss/Mr. Grantville

pageant.

For

information, call Lawana Musick at 770-834-2564.

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