Time-Honored Tradition
Families gather around the picnic tables. Children’s laugher and music echo through the air. People gather on the pier and walk the beach. St. Simons Island is always abuzz with activity on Memorial Day.
Julie Andrew
A 27-year island tradition is the Taps at Twilight Memorial Day Observance at Neptune Park. The program is a free community event that is generously presented annually by the Rotary Club of St. Simons Island. In a truly inspiring display, the park will fill with a large audience who come out to enjoy beautiful patriotic activities that befit the holiday, including flag ceremonies, stirring music, and heartfelt prayer. Rotary Club of St. Simons Island President Paul Pieschel will give the welcome. Rev. Robert Brown will deliver the invocation prayer. Music will be provided by the Golden Isles Community Concert Band, Men’s Chorus, and soloist Rhonda Hambright, including rousing salutes to each branch of the military. The wreath will be presented by Clinton H. Winne, Brigadier General, USAF Retired, and G. Millard Allen, Jr., Commander, USN Retired. The plaintive wail of the bagpipe, played by Patric Walsh, instills the remembrance with a respectful somber tone. And it’s hard to keep a dry eye at the close when you hear the echoing call of the trumpets, played by Willie Hammett and Rich Wagner, as the last notes of “Taps” fade into the distance.
Local dignitaries have been invited to attend. This year, Lt. General Claude “Mick” Kicklighter, USA Retired, will deliver the Memorial Day address. Kicklighter was the former commander of the United States Army, Pacific (Western Command), Director for Security Assistance for the US Army Security Assistance Center, Inspector General of the Department of Defense, and Chief of Staff for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In Vietnam, Kicklighter was Assistant Chief of Staff for the 101st Airborne Division. Major command assignments included commanding the Division Artillery for the 24th Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, and commanding the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks. He is an alumnus of Georgia Military College, Mercer University, George Washington University, and Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Gen. Kicklighter has received the Bronze Star Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit award.
Taps at Twilight will begin at 6:45 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, in Neptune Park, overlooking St. Simons Sound. Some seating is provided on the Neptune Park lawn, facing the St. Simons Casino bandstand where the participants will be assembled, however, it is recommended that you bring your own chairs to ensure you have a seat. Wear your service hats, t-shirts, and red, white, and blue proudly.
Please bring the family out for this special observation of the Memorial Day holiday and to pay respect for the brave sacrifices made by America’s service members and their families. It is the perfect way to honor the heroes of our country and our community.
