LEESBURG, Ga. -- Marine Corps Logistics Command joined veterans, community leaders and residents June 26 for the Lee County Exchange Club's annual Field of Honor dedication, recognizing the service and sacrifice of America's military while thanking Southwest Georgia for its steadfast support of those who serve.
Maj. Gen. Keith D. Reventlow, commanding general of MARCORLOGCOM, served as the event's keynote speaker. He was joined by Sgt. Maj. Marshall H. Gregg, senior enlisted advisor, MARCORLOGCOM, along with members of the local veteran community, civic leaders and citizens gathered among hundreds of American flags displayed in tribute to veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and their families.
Hosted by the Lee County Exchange Club, the event celebrates patriotism, community service and the enduring relationship between the military and the communities that stand behind it. This year's ceremony also reflected on the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary, recognizing the generations of Americans who have preserved the freedoms represented by the Stars and Stripes.
"The partnership between the civilian community—organizations like the Exchange Club—and the military is the bedrock of our national security," Reventlow said. "We at LOGCOM cannot do our job without the support of this community."
Reflecting on 250 years of military service to the nation, Reventlow said today's Marines and service members are carrying forward a legacy forged by those who came before them.
"Today, that legacy is carried by less than one percent of Americans who volunteer to wear the uniform," Reventlow said. "They know the risks, they know the history, and yet they step forward anyway. They are the guardians of our next 250 years."
Following the ceremony, attendees walked through the Field of Honor, where each American flag served as a reminder of the men and women who have answered the nation's call to serve and the families and communities whose support makes their service possible.
Concluding his remarks, Reventlow thanked the Exchange Club and the citizens of Southwest Georgia for their enduring support of the military.
"Thank you for your patriotism. Thank you for your unwavering support of our military, our veterans, and our mission," Reventlow said. "And most importantly, thank you for being the kind of community that makes our flag worth fighting for."
The Lee County Exchange Club's Field of Honor is open to the public through July 5 at the Oakland Library, 445 Oakland Parkway, Leesburg, Georgia. Community members are encouraged to visit the display and reflect on the service, sacrifice and patriotism represented by each American flag.