Tens of thousands of Americans crammed into an Evans park Saturday to watch fireworks and show support for those who serve in the military.
LaTaj Johnson, 18, was three years old the first time the Thunder Over Evans event was held in the Evans Towne Center Park. For the 15-year celebration on Saturday, she and a group of about 44 other young men and women swore an oath to protect the United States Constitution.
Thousands cheered and clapped after witnessing the enlistment ceremony for the group.
“It felt good to hear the applause and all that. It was a good experience,” said Johnson, who enlisted into the Georgia Army National Guard.
Her friend, Diamond Wesby, 18, also enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard for college tuition. She hopes to become a doctor. She, too, was honored so many people came out to support those who serve.
“It’s nice to see the support from the people in the community that support the military,” Wesby said.
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Leon McLamb, leader of the Patriot Guard Riders, said Thunder Over Evans is completely different from the disrespect he witnessed at the funerals of service members who had died in Iraq and Afghanistan. His group formed to shield mourners from the protests of the Westboro Baptist Church, who picketed and jeered outside funerals of military members and claimed their deaths were because of the wrath of God.
“It’s always an amazing event to see how the community comes out to support the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen today,” McLamb said.
The event coincides with Armed Forces Day and was conceived and put together by three local businessmen who wanted to thank service members. Those men are Donnie Thompson, Andy Jones and Dale Phelon.
In addition to the fireworks, there were generals who gave speeches, a band who sang a medly of hits from the 1970s, 80s and 90s; and a light show using a swarm of helicopter drones that took on the shapes of the American flag, an eagle and the crest from the various military services.
Joshua B. Good is a staff reporter covering Columbia County and military/veterans’ issues for The Augusta Press. Reach him at joshua@theaugustapress.com
