A brisk November wind couldn’t keep Putnam County residents away Tuesday morning as they gathered at the Putnam County Veterans Roll of Honor Park to celebrate local veterans and recognize the legacy of the park’s late founder, Bob Landau.
Hosted by the Putnam County Board of Commissioners and the Veterans Roll of Honor Park Committee, the annual Veterans Day ceremony began with a presentation of colors by the Putnam County High School JROTC, followed by a stirring rendition of the national anthem performed by the school chorus.
“Freedom is not free,” Reverend Sidney Jackson, a veteran himself, stated during his invocation. “We remember those no longer present with us who remain forever in our hearts. May we be worthy of their courage and sacrifice.”
The ceremony’s guest speaker, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Billy Hargrove, drew laughter and reflection from the bundled-up crowd as he shared stories from his century of life and service.
Hargrove, who served as a navigator during World War II and Vietnam, will turn 101 years old on Dec. 31.
“My children say I’ve only got to give one kind of speech,” he joked. “You’ve got to stand up tall so they can see you, speak up loud so they can hear you, and shut up quick so they can like you.”
Hargrove later reminded younger generations of their role in preserving the freedoms earned by those who served before them.
“We depend on the next generation to do what we didn’t finish,” he said. “Tell your children when you get home tonight, this is my country, and I am proud of it.”
Following his remarks, in a gesture of appreciation, organizer Nikki Barker presented Hargrove with a handmade quilt.
“That’ll help keep you a little warm while we’re up here,” she said as a brisk wind continued to swirl around them.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Robert “Bob” Landau, founder and driving force behind the downtown Eatonton park, who passed away earlier this year at age 92.
“Bob loved this park,” Putnam County Manager and Landau’s longtime friend, Paul Van Haute, stated, his voice cracking at the memory. “He saw the positive in everything and the potential in everyone. He did more for this county than most politicians do in a career.”
Pastor Avis Williams later echoed the sentiment, describing Landau as a man of deep commitment and quiet generosity. Among those in attendance was Landau’s granddaughter, Kelly Landau, who received warm applause from the crowd when Williams recognized her.
“Bob’s fingerprints are all over this community,” Williams said. “Even now, his spirit still serves through the work we continue to do.”
The event ended with a solemn procession of the Eatonton Police Department Honor Guard, with three members firing rifles seven times in a 21-gun salute to all military servicemembers on Veterans Day.
Despite the cold, dozens of veterans, families, and community members lingered after the ceremony, visiting the park’s memorial walls, and reflecting on the sacrifices made by each of those honored there.