Kay Harris
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA —
Honoring those who have died in battle is a tradition that goes back centuries. In America, the tradition became entrenched following the Civil War and after WWI the honor extended to all war veterans.
There are several local events Monday to mark Memorial Day, and scores of volunteers will decorate the graves of veterans throughout the region to recognize their contributions to our peace.
But it shouldn’t take a holiday to honor veterans or those who are still on active duty. All deserve our gratitude and a chance to be recognized for their contributions.
A while ago, someone wrote into the rant and rave saying that she and her husband, who was in uniform, felt mistreated in a local restaurant.
Scores of readers wrote in to say they had the completely opposite experience, with area restaurants and patrons going out of their way to be courteous, even occasionally buying their lunch or dinner.
The ranter didn’t identify the restaurant, so there’s no way of knowing exactly what may have transpired, but in all likelihood, the rudeness had little or nothing to do with the fact that her husband was in the military. It was more likely bad customer service.
However, given that Moody AFB is in our midst and is thankfully not going anywhere any time soon, today, tomorrow or any time is the right time to thank an airman, thank their family, and honor them. Don’t wait until it’s a ‘memorial’ to say thank you to our military members.
Business Roundup
Downtown Nashville is gaining another new business with the opening of a bookstore, Turn the Page. The grand opening is Thursday, and the store will feature new and used books as well as readings from featured authors and guitar lessons.
It looks like Family Dollar is relocating to the old Goody’s store on St. Augustine. And the new Submarina across the way in the strip center next to Best Buy is now open for business.
It looks like all the Movie Gallery locations are closing. The same parent company owns Hollywood Video stores, which are also closing.
The Las Banderas Mexican Store on North Patterson Street is holding a grand opening today at 3 p.m. with food, music, and more.
There is a new place coming in downtown Valdosta called Rhythm and Blues in the former Luna’s Restaurante building. And the Fruits of the Garden Winery and Gifts recently relocated to downtown Valdosta as well.
Still no word yet on when the Southwest Georgia Bank is going to open, although it looks pretty well complete.
And if you noticed in the paper this week, the photos of the new Lowndes County Judicial Complex downtown, they are finally scheduling moving days, which will be in July, and then all the offices should be open by August.
No more news on Cheddars yet, but I’ll keep you posted, and no word on what is going into Hardee’s either, but someone will let it slip soon.
That’s it for this week, but have a safe holiday weekend, and if there’s anything I missed, please let me know!
