Marietta National Cemetery · Marietta, Georgia
May 26, 2008 · 12:00 pm

The Marietta National Cemetery is canonized ground. Inside its storied gates are buried more than 10,000 veterans, spanning 23 states, from New York and Michigan to Alabama and Georgia. Men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in other wars also rest peacefully at the 139-year-old cemetery.

For more than a half century now, a ceremony has occurred every Memorial Day at Marietta National Cemetery to honor all those who served and gave their life for our country’s freedom. It is a time to reflect on — and honor — those who stood heroically by their country during battle and who are today making the same unshakable commitment of valor in far away lands. Sponsored by the National Memorial Day Association of Georgia and The Avenue of Flags, this year’s event promises to once again stir emotions and teach young and old alike what the words duty, honor and country truly mean.

With the help of the Boy Scouts of America, flags will be placed beside every grave at the cemetery before the official ceremony begins. The event will begin at noon on May 30th and will feature patriotic music, posting of the colors, prayers, a gun salute and inspiring speakers. All veterans, as well the general public, are invited to attend what will be a meaningful and memorable ceremony.

Guest speaker: Lt. Colonel David R. Titus is the featured speaker for the National Memorial Day Ceremony, May 26, 2006.  Colonel Titus is the 76th Commander-in –Chief of the Military Order of the World Wars.  Residing in Augusta, Georgia Colonel Titus also is a past president of the Augusta Georgia William Few Chapter of the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution and past Treasurer of the Georgia Society, Sons of the American Revolution.


LTC Titus’s military career spans from 1963-1984 in the US Army’s Ordnance Corps. He received command and staff assignments in the 3rdInfantry Division in Europe, provided military assistance in Vietnam to the 19th Army of Vietnam Infantry Division and logistic assistance to the General Staff Logistics Office, Ministry of National Defense, Republic of China, Taiwan and to field logistic elements and schools in Iran.  He also provided reserve component support in the states of Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan.
 
In his civilian employment , he was a Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant from 1984 to 1994, County Commissioner of Columbia County Georgia 1992-1996, substitute Teacher in the Columbia County School System 1997-1999, and presently serves as President of Columbia County Cares (food pantry).  LTC Titus holds an MS in Education Administration from the University of Southern California, and is a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College.

Honoree Organization for 2008 Ceremony:

The Military Order of the World Wars