Names of soldiers added to historical monument
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Ahead of the long weekend, community members came together in Columbus to honor service members who have died for our freedom and put a permanent marking of the names who have yet to be recognized for their efforts.
Grayson Garrick took front and center as he portrayed a World War 1 Union Soldier from Lowndes County.
This is the second time a student from MSMS has brought history to life in the month of May.
As part of Memorial Day ceremonies, community organizations and the school joined forces to etch the names of 14 soldiers on a historical marker.
MSMS history teacher Chuck Yarborough says a long-overdue acknowledgement for their service.
” 12 African American Soldiers died in World War 1 as well as 2 white American soldiers who also gave their lives to service, that weren’t
on the original monument.
In 2023, MSMS students became aware that the black veterans who died in service in Lowndes County were not on the World War 1 memorial, and they made it their mission to change that.
And while Garrick may not have been a part of the initial class, he is proud to be a part of finishing what those students started.
“I didn’t start this journey that would go to a former MSMS alumn, but I’m so happy that I am here and I am a part of this journey, and we’re just knowing more
about history, I am glad I am able to be a part of this, ” said Garrick.
Yarborough says a progressive future starts with recognizing history and acknowledging omissions and mistakes that have been made, and working to correct them.
“Our community is grateful for the service and sacrifice of everybody whose helped to protect our freedoms and as a community we are stronger
together when we recognize all of that service without any designation of race, ethnicity, class, religion, ” said Chuck.
“were trying to rectify that, at least we are trying to make it better and I feel like that’s what all of us need to strive for making it better now. when I fist started the year I didn’t know who these people were but now that I do it inspires me to learn more about people who we may not know about whether African American, Asian or people that we don’t know enough about. It challenges all of us to work harder to know more,” said Grayson.
the original monument stood at the Magnolia Bowl and was placed at the front of the court house in 2015.
