Patriotism is defined as devoted love, support and defense of one’s country, national loyalty. This love and support can be given numerous ways, but perhaps one of the most dedicated ways is to serve in the armed forces. The Eatonton community is hosting its annual Celebrate Patriotism program Thursday, May 26 at 5 p.m. at the Plaza Arts Center.

The program will honor all veterans of the United States Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Army, and acknowledge their service to the community and the country. This year’s Celebrate Patriotism event will be dedicated to Mrs. Johnnie Young Penn, one of the founders of the annual event, who passed away in 2010. There will be a tribute to Penn during the program to celebrate her life and her commitment to the annual event.  

The event promises to be one that the whole family can enjoy. The 434th Signal Corps band will provide the musical portion of the program and Putnam County High School’s JROTC will present the colors within The Plaza Arts Center’s theater. Refreshments such as hot dogs, chips, ice cream and soft drinks will be provided to all at 5 p.m. on the Plaza lawn before the presentation at 6 p.m. in the Plaza Theater.

Celebrating Patriotism is an event that honors those who came home, and remembers those who gave their lives in service. For family and friends of loved ones lost, the support from the community is a way to keep the memories of those they lost close.

Bonnie Simmons has co-charged the event with the Eatonton Kiwanis Club this year. The event began in 2001 and is free for the entire community.

“We had to book the band in February, and this year we will have a surprise presentation at 6 p.m. to kick everything off. We will also have a Memorial Wall where people within the community can bring in photos of their loved ones who are serving or who have served in active duty,” Simmons said.

Pictures can be dropped off at the Plaza Arts Center before Thursday’s event in order to be included on the Memorial Wall and within the slideshow.

“This is an event that people from all walks of life can enjoy. This brings the entire community together in one common bond. My favorite part of the service is when the band plays all of the different service songs and those who were in each branch stand up when their song is played so that they can be recognized,” Simmons said.

The speaker this year is Brigadier General Stewart Rodeheaver and the presentation will last about an hour and a half.

“In the past we have had over 200 people celebrating the lives and the sacrifices of veterans, and acknowledging service. It is such a great family event and it is so special to so many people,” Simmons said.

The event is free, but donations are always accepted. To make a donation to the program, checks can be made out to Celebrate Patriotism. To help plan for next year’s event, call Bonnie Simmons at the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce at (706) 485-7701.