Exchange Club Honors Veterans with Flag from Normandy Cemetery

In a gesture of profound respect and remembrance, the Exchange Club of Milledgeville recently presented a special American flag to the Georgia War Veterans Home. This flag had been flown over the American Cemetery at Normandy, a site that overlooks Omaha Beach, where thousands of American service members made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.

The presentation aligns with a significant milestone for the United States Armed Forces, as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026. The U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps will also observe their 250th anniversaries in 2025. To honor these pivotal moments, Exchange Club members Larry McLendon and Bud Morris organized a commemorative trip to Normandy, where they visited historic D-Day sites and reflected on the sacrifices made during this defining moment in history.

Prior to their journey, McLendon and Morris reached out to the American Battle Monuments Commission, the organization responsible for overseeing U.S. military cemeteries and memorials globally. They requested that an American flag be flown at the Normandy American Cemetery. The Commission promptly granted their request, allowing the flag to be ceremonially raised, honored, and subsequently lowered over the cemetery grounds, which serve as the final resting place for 9,388 American service members.

The flag presentation took place at the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, where it was received by the Home’s director, Dennis Mize. Accompanying the flag was an official certificate documenting the date and purpose of the ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery, adding a layer of significance to the gift.

For McLendon and Morris, both retired military officers—McLendon as a U.S. Army Colonel and Morris as a U.S. Navy Commander—the experience held profound personal meaning. They expressed their feelings about the occasion, stating, “This was a tremendous honor for both of us. To bring a flag from a place of such historic sacrifice and present it to the veterans who have served our country here at home is something we will never forget.”

The Exchange Club of Milledgeville aims for the flag to serve as a lasting symbol of remembrance, gratitude, and respect for the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans. This heartfelt gesture not only honors those who served in the past but also highlights the ongoing commitment to recognizing the contributions of veterans residing at the Georgia War Veterans Home. The club’s efforts ensure that the memories of those who fought for freedom are preserved and cherished.