Field of crosses near mall featured

ALBANY — A field of 144 crosses, each representing a resident of Dougherty County or Lee County who died in combat or combat situations from World War I through the present, will be erected near Albany Mall as part of a Memorial Day observance.

The crosses will be erected Saturday morning in front of Albany Mall next to Dawson Road between McDonalds to the west and the water pond and fountain on the east. They will remain there until Tuesday morning.

A brief program is planned at 3 p.m. Sunday featuring remarks by Marine Sgt. Major Joseph M. Davenport II of Logistics Command, Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany. Those who attend should bring their own chairs if they wish to sit during the program.

Sponsors say the public is encouraged to visit the site all weekend from Saturday morning until Monday evening to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

Sponsors include American Legion Post 30 of Albany, American Legion Post 335 of Sylvester, American Legion Post 512 of Albany, Marine Corps League, VFW Post 2785 of Albany, Navy Reserve League, DAV Chapter 27 of Albany, Combat Infantrymen’s Association, 40 & 8 Society of Albany and Coalition of Veterans’ Organizations of Southwest Georgia.