Veterans Day 2024 at Whispering Hills

More than one-hundred veterans, friends and family members gathered to pay tribute to all men and women who’ve served in uniform, including the military service of three area veterans recently laid to rest at Whispering Hills Natural Cemetery and Memorial Nature Preserve in LaGrange.

The sun shined on the special celebration, which began with the invocation by Reverend Dane Wagner, a Marine Corps Veteran and Associate Pastor at Wesley Methodist Church. The Troup County High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the American flag as Kevin Dunn sang the national anthem.

“I just couldn’t get over the peacefulness and beauty throughout the meadow and forest here at Whispering Hills as I sang that special anthem that speaks to the patriotism of our veterans. They’ve given so much to ensure our freedom and protect this land,” Dunn shared. “I’ve passed by the white fences here along Mooty Bridge Road for a few years, but I didn’t realize how much of a treasure this place truly is until I ventured beyond the gate.”

Ralph Howard, founder and managing partner of Whispering Hills, welcomed the crowd by saying, “We are here to honor all veterans and to present the families and friends of three local veterans with U.S. Army service medallions. These small service medals represent the big things these veterans have done for their country, families, and community.”

The medallions will be permanently placed on the tribute stones marking the final resting places for Army veterans Oliver Wendell “Mac” McGowan of LaGrange, George Czarnonycz of LaGrange, and Michael Israel of Anniston, Alabama.

Tania Griffin, Vice Commander of the State of Georgia American Legion shared her perspective as a Desert Shield and Desert Storm Army Veteran and her love of the natural cemetery that hosted the event. “I’m deeply honored and humbled to spend Veterans Day with you in this sacred place, where generations of heroes have and will come to rest,” she noted. “Let us remember that their commitment to our country goes beyond service. It is a legacy of courage and resilience.”

Griffin presented the service medallion to Daryl Fletcher, a close friend of Michael Israel and the owner of SOOFA (Stretch Out on Faith Again) Ranch in Winston, Georgia. Michael discovered his passion for horses at the ranch, where he volunteered with Daryl to introduce horses and the outdoors to kids from all walks of life throughout the region.

“My heart is full of love for Michael, the other medal recipients, and all of the veterans here today,” Fletcher said, following the ceremony. “What a beautiful place to gather to honor these special people and make sure they realize they are heard and seen,” added Fletcher, who recently started a new therapeutic horse riding and care program designed to help veterans address mental health challenges.

Marine Veteran Wagner, who opened the event with prayer, presented a veteran service medal to Laura Adams, whose husband Mac McGowan was an Army Engineer Captain and Georgia Tech engineering grad.

“Mac was so proud to be a veteran,” Adams shared with the gathering. “He would be absolutely thrilled to know this special medallion will be forever placed on his tribute stone that we picked out when we both chose our resting place under the trees in April here at Whispering Hills.”

Mac McGowan’s longtime friend Dee Woodward stood up after Mac’s medallion was presented, to tell the group, “Mac’s sense of duty was profound. I’ve never known anyone with such a deep devotion to civic duty and community, with a real passion for making LaGrange a better place,” Woodward said. “I miss Mac dearly, but I know he’s at peace in one of the most peaceful places anywhere, a place I visit to say hello to my friend and enjoy the beautiful forest.”

Army veteran and Whispering Hills administrator Jen Loutzenheiser presented the third medal to Teresa Czarnonycz, whose husband George served four years as an Army medic before becoming an IT professional. “George credited the Army with bringing us together since it was a good friend of mine, who had served with George, who introduced us,” she recalled. “George’s real passion was helping friends and neighbors, like Mac, keep their computers running smoothly.”

Nick and Anna Mayfield led a group sing of America, My Country, ‘Tis of Thee, and bugler LaZette Reich closed the ceremony with a bold rendition of taps that echoed through the trees and touched the hearts of everyone.

“This is one of the most touching Veterans Day events I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending,” noted Joe Cameron, a 28-year Marine Corps veteran. “It was a beautiful day in a peaceful place shared by people who have given their all to protect incredible treasures like this land.”

For more information about Whispering Hills Natural Green Cemetery and Memorial Nature Preserve, visit www.whisperinghillspreserve.com.