John Ballard, a veteran whose 20 years in the Army included service in World War II and during the Cold War, celebrated his 100th birthday Wednesday at the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home.
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Ballard’s birthday bash was the facility’s second centennial celebration this year. Several community service groups attended to honor Ballard’s special day and his military service.
Among them were members of the Kappa Lambda Chi military fraternity, who presented a proclamation on behalf of Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson in honor of Ballard, stating that Ballard has “shown bravery in the face of adversity,” and that he be “celebrated, honored and appreciated by all of his selflessness and commitment to service,” declaring July 31, 2024 “John Ballard Day.” The fraternity also read a statement from the office of Gov. Brian Kemp, wishing Ballard “another year of health and happiness.”
The party was also visited by Barack Temple 256, a local branch of the Prince Hall Shriners. While the group is not a military fraternity, most of its members, like Ballard, are African American military veterans.
“We make sure that we go into these areas to recognize a lot of veterans… as some of them may not have families nearby,” said William Campbell of Temple 256, noting that the organization aims to commemorate the legacy of those who served and the history through which they lived.
Ballard was accompanied by his daughter, Suzette Ferguson, who said her father has taught her “resilience, compassion, love and the importance of family.”
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
