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Vietnam veterans memorial wall dedicated in Johns Creek By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Hundreds gathered at Newtown Park Nov. 13 for the grand opening of The Wall That Heals, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Saturday morning’s ceremonies, hosted by the Johns Creek Veterans Association and the City of Johns Creek, served to honor Vietnam War veterans and those who lost their lives in the war. After leading attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, retired U.S. Army Sgt. Roger Wise spoke about the power of the memorial. “It’s a wall that heals or starts the healing process,” Wise said. “Every time I’m in Washington [D.C.], I go to the wall, and there’s always somebody kneeling down, talking to it, laughing, crying, healing.” Wise continued, sharing a story about his most recent visit to the wall in Johns Creek and how a young man whose father was killed in Vietnam before he was born finally felt as though he had met his father after seeing the memorial. “That’s the power of this wall,” Wise said. “That’s the power of this memorial walk.” Mayor Mike Bodker was the first to deliver official remarks, thanking veterans, the Veterans Association, the Recreation and Parks Department and all who contributed to bringing the wall to Johns Creek. “This is a project of honor, tribute and love which so many have worked on to bring to fruition,” Bodker said. “Today is the day that we celebrate and honor service and hear from the residents and veterans who helped consecrate these grounds and memorial.” Bodker then awarded President of the JCVA, Lt. Col. Mike Mizell with a proclamation from the Fulton County Commission, honoring the dedication of the
Softball proponents score in Johns Creek By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com
SYDNEY DANGREMOND/APPEN MEDIA
A veteran kneels and prays in front of the soldier’s cross, one of the last portions of the dedication ceremony of The Wall That Heals memorial Nov. 13. memorial. Mizell shared a brief history of the memorial, recounting its three-day visit in Johns Creek in 2017, before being permanently installed last year. Mizell then recited the poem, “A Soldier’s Honor,” which details the sacrifice made by those who serve. Mizell also spoke of the debt owed to those who risk their lives in the military. “We can never be grateful enough for the sacrifices that they’ve made, and we are humbled by their willingness to put their lives aside for the benefit of ours,” Mizell said. Finally, Mizell spoke directly to the veterans. “To my brothers and sisters, the Vietnam veterans, Vietnam-era veterans, to all veterans: welcome home. And welcome to
your memorial park,” Mizell said. Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame inductee Capt. Tommy Clack, who was wounded May 29, 1969, along the Cambodian border, also delivered remarks. “I am blessed that but by the grace of God I know I would be listed on panel 23 west, line 13,” Clack said. He went on to speak about how Vietnam War veterans were treated after the war and how he and his fellow veterans had worked to ensure that mistreatment does not happen again. “You and I have ensured by what’s on that wall, that all generations after us are never treated that way,” Clack said. “When we look at that wall let it also remind us that if this country got enough money
See MEMORIAL, Page 4
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Softball is officially back in Johns Creek parks. Skill-building clinics are being held for girls interested in entering or growing in the sport, and four field sites between Newtown and Ocee parks have been identified. This comes just weeks after 34 softball-supporting community members spoke out at a public hearing pleading for the reinstatement of a Johns Creek softball recreation league. Leading the charge to revive the sport in the city is Mike Eves, community leader, longtime coach and softball dad. Eves served as coach for the Chattahoochee High School feeder team for several years, often coordinating and consulting with other teams in the area. He began to understand the universal issues plaguing all area programs: the pipeline was drying up. Because there was no community recreation league, younger girls were not participating in the sport. Each year, this put greater strain on the high school teams which were hurt by a decrease in players and a shallow pool of talent, Eves said.
See SOFTBALL, Page 13