Veterans Day

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Spent part of Saturday at a local park with members of the 48th Infantry Brigade and local citizens. Raised a ton of cash for the Freedom Alliance, an organization which provides scholarships for the sons and daughters of fallen and wounded warriors from all branches of the military.

Army Spc. Justin W. Johnson died on April 10th, 2004. He was killed when his patrol vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Baghdad. Justin was 22 years old and was from Rome, Georgia. Assigned to 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Upon the death of his son, Joseph Johnson decided to enlist in the Georgia National Guard and was assigned to the 48th Infantry Brigade. He then deployed to Iraq and served in and around the Baghdad area. His story has been detailed in the new book, "American Mourning" written by Move America Forward Chairman, Melanie Morgan and Vacaville Reporter columnist, Catherine Moy.

We also paid a visit to the gravesite of Confederate General James Longstreet, who is buried in the Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville. Left a red rose and some baby's breath, just as we always do when we stop by to pay our respects. If there are any Civil War buffs out there - here's a picture.