Town Planters erect beautiful tribute to America’s Armed Forces

The Freeport Town Planters Society in conjunction with The City of Freeport dedicated a veterans memorial adjacent to the city hall on Nov. 11.

Hundreds of spectators gathered for the presentation of a towering obelisk memorial topped with a bronze eagle in flight. The inscription reads “With gratitude and Honor to All Who Have Served That Freedom May Soar on Eagles Wings.” Surrounding the obelisk are smaller memorials representing each branch of the military.

Highlights of the dedication included a welcome by Eleanor Turner, president of the Freeport Town Planters Society,  introduction from Tim Ard, Chair of the Freeport Veterans Memorial Committee, Walton High School Air Force Junior ROTC presenting the Colors, Amy Tromba singing the National Anthem and Lt. Col. George E. Tromba as the guest speaker. Military servicemen and woman from each branch of the service were represented and participated in the ceremony by unveiling the memorials.

Tim Ard, chairman of the fundraising committee presented the memorial in an emotional speech. Ard’s appreciation for the community’s evolvement was obvious in his presentation.

“Every donation counted,” Ard said tearfully as he explained how the donation jars located in businesses throughout Freeport filled up with generous donations.

The Town Planters volunteers raised more than $30,000 to date for the memorial.
The memorial is located just west of the Freeport City Hall building on Hwy. 20.