Hundreds gathered at the field near the Albany mall Tuesday evening to honor those who lost their lives on 9-11 and those who lost their lives in combat overseas.
One thousand American flags placed in the field waved in remembrance of them.
"It tells everyone in this state and country that patriotism is stronger than ever in South Georgia, our veterans are stronger than ever, our community is stronger than ever and we believe in this country in a big way," said Dougherty County Commission Chairman Jeff Sinyard.
County and city leaders addressed the crowd on what Mayor Dorothy Hubbard proclaims is Patriot Day in Albany.
She and MCLB Base Commander Col. Donald Davis challenge community members to remember those who lost their lives on this day 11 years ago, each and every day.
"Participate in Patriot Day activities and honor and show our sincere appreciation to the men and women servants who sacrificed their lives to make our country a place to live, work and play," said Mayor Hubbard.
"Not only should we remember them during ceremonies such as this, but we should continue to remember them through our actions that their deaths meant something more," said Lt. Col. Donald Davis.
As ceremonies came to a close, a marine veteran said it was a sight to see the community come together and remember his fellow brothers and sisters.
"It's great that a community like this can come together and recognize the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. It means a lot. It means we haven't been forgotten," said Mark Laux.
He wants the people of South Georgia to know he and troops all around the world appreciate the support communities show them on the home front.
There was another moving scene as Toni Sutton, the widow of the late Lance Corporal Steve Sutton, was given a flag in remembrance of the Lee county native soldier who lost his life in Afghanistan earlier this year.
This flags will remain in that field outside the mall until Sunday afternoon.
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