Recognizing and honoring the men and women who have served our country is important. This appreciation goes beyond just one or two days of the year in Rome, Georgia. This charming city takes pride in supporting its military veterans through various initiatives and events. This article will explore ways Rome recognizes and honors its veterans, from community support groups to employment opportunities. Whether you’re a veteran or someone who wants to show your gratitude, Rome, Georgia has something for everyone.
Military veterans hold a special place in my heart. My husband Wesley retired from the US Navy after 20 years of service on submarines. Wesley grew up in the Coosa community and graduated from Coosa High School. A year after he graduated, he joined the Navy. When given an opportunity, he chose to serve on submarines. He was stationed in several places, including Washington State and South Georgia. He served for 20 years before retiring and moving back to Rome, Georgia to be close to family. Rome has proven to be an excellent place for a veteran to retire. So, let’s dive in and discover how this city goes above and beyond to support those who have served.
Festivities
Veteran’s Day is a significant day for veterans. My husband looks forward to Veteran’s Day even more than his birthday. It is a day to honor veterans, whether they served three years or a lifetime. Restaurants around Rome help celebrate our local heroes by offering drinks, appetizers, or even meals.
One of the ways Rome, Georgia honors its military veterans is through annual Veteran’s and Memorial Day celebrations. These celebrations are a way for the community to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. Military-themed events and activities occur throughout the city. These events recognize the bravery and sacrifice of veterans and bring the community together in a spirit of unity and gratitude. Regardless of your background or affiliation with the military, the annual celebrations in Rome, Georgia are an excellent way to show support for those who have served our country.
Another way Rome, Georgia recognizes and honors its military veterans is through various military-themed events and activities throughout the year. Aside from the annual Veterans and Memorial Day celebrations, there are other events held that pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes. Area festivals showcase military vehicles, weapons, and equipment and host military-themed performances and demonstrations. These events not only provide entertainment for the community but also serve as a way to show support and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our military members.
These events also provide veterans and their families opportunities to connect with one another and the local community. By participating in military-themed events and activities, veterans can feel a sense of camaraderie and support from their fellow citizens. Moreover, listening to veterans’ stories and learning about their experiences can help bridge the gap between generations and promote a better understanding of the sacrifices made by those who served our country.
Local Business Appreciation
You don’t have to look far to find businesses around Rome that honor veterans. Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, and Texas Roadhouse offer designated veteran parking. You may think that is a trivial way of appreciating local veterans, but it means a lot to them to have that recognition. There are also several retail stores and restaurants that offer military discounts.
Support for Veteran-Owned Businesses
In addition to the events that recognize and honor veterans, Rome, Georgia supports veteran-owned businesses. Shopping at these businesses or using their services is an excellent way for the community to show their support for veterans and help them succeed in their post-military lives. The next time you’re looking for a product or service, consider patronizing a veteran-owned business in Rome, Georgia and show appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who served our country.
Veteran Organizations In Rome
There are lots of perks to living near a military installation after retiring from the military. For most people living in Rome and Northwest Georgia, the closest military base is Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. This base offers many resources for active and retired military personnel from all service branches.
Rome, Georgia understands that transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for veterans and their families. The community offers various resources and assistance through community support groups to provide additional support. These groups aim to assist veterans needing a helping hand and provide them with the resources necessary to overcome difficulties.
Support groups like The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provide veterans a sense of community and a place to find help when needed. These organizations offer various services, including counseling, benefits assistance, and aid with housing and employment. In addition, they provide a supportive environment where veterans can connect with others who have experienced similar challenges.
By supporting these community groups, Rome, Georgia demonstrates their commitment to successfully helping veterans transition to civilian life. These groups play a vital role in providing the resources and assistance necessary to ensure our veterans and their families receive the support they need.
Employment and Education Opportunities
Employment and education opportunities are crucial for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Rome, Georgia recognizes that providing job and education opportunities is essential to supporting veterans. The city has various organizations that assist veterans seeking employment or education.
For example, the Georgia Department of Labor has a veteran representative who assists veterans in finding suitable employment. The local chapter of the American Legion also offers employment assistance services. The city of Rome also partners with local businesses to create job opportunities for veterans.
Education is another critical aspect of supporting veterans. The Veterans Affairs office at Georgia Highlands College provides resources and assistance to veterans seeking educational opportunities. The Veteran Resource Center at the college also offers support and resources for veterans to help them succeed in their academic pursuits.
By providing employment and education opportunities, Rome, Georgia ensures veterans have the resources necessary to transition to civilian life and succeed in their post-military endeavors.
Memorials (Yes, I know this is the 6th… It’s A BONUS!)
For more ways Rome, Georgia honors veterans, you can find memorials to local veterans at Myrtle Hill, Behind the Forum, and around Downtown.
The Admiral John H. Towers Memorial Plaza depicts Admiral John H. Towers’ role in developing naval aviation, including the first successful group Trans-Atlantic flight in 1919.
The Rotary Club of Rome Memorial Wall is behind The Forum River Center overlooking the Oostanaula River. It comprises four large bronze plaques listing the names of Floyd County’s fallen veterans.
The Spanish-American War Memorial is a monument dedicated to the local men of Rome, Georgia who fought during the Spanish-American War.
America’s Known Soldier at Veterans Plaza. The Tomb of the Known Soldier is a gravesite dedicated to a soldier killed in World War I, Private Charles Graves. In contrast to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington DC, this memorial is dedicated to all the soldiers killed in WWI that were known. On either side of the Tomb of the Known Soldier are two Confederate monuments relocated from Broad Street and Second Avenue. Around the grave are more than 3,000 engraved bricks that honor or memorialize military veterans.
Memorial to the men of Floyd County that served during WWI. For those who served and those who gave their lives.
The Anchor Duck Mills World War I Memorial honors soldiers from Rome, Georgia who were once mill employees and died serving our country during World War I.
The Women of the Confederacy Monument is believed to be the first monument in the world to honor the role of women in war. President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated it on October 8, 1910.
The Nathan Bedford Forrest Monument was erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1908. It honors General Forrest for capturing Colonel Abel Streight and his Union raiding party in 1863. The statue at the top of this monument has been relocated to the History Museum, but the monument still stands.
In conclusion, Rome, Georgia sets an extraordinary example of how cities should recognize and honor their military veterans. With annual celebrations, military-themed events, and community support groups, veterans and their families have various opportunities to connect and feel appreciated. Moreover, the city supports veteran-owned businesses and provides education and employment opportunities. If you’re a veteran looking for a supportive community or just someone wanting to participate in honoring our heroes, take advantage of the resources available in Rome, Georgia.
“We must do all we can to extend our hand in friendship and dignity to those who come after us, for if we fail to do so, we fail ourselves.”
– President Ronald Reagan
Are you a veteran living in Rome? Let us know your story. What branch did you serve? What led you to Rome after serving? We love hearing from you.
Read our post on the Historical Tour Of Broad Street for more historical markers in Rome, Georgia. Broad Street is one of the most popular places people go “When In Rome, Georgia.” It has the best collection of food, shopping, and entertainment venues in and around Rome. You may not know how a Broad Street tour reveals our rich local history. If you start at one end of Broad Street and stroll to the other end, you will find some fantastic stories and the history of our town.
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