News

Robins to honor deceased at Camellia Gardens ceremony

  • Published
  • By Holly Birchfield
  • 78 ABW/PA
Robins Air Force Base, Ga. --  People mark the death of a loved one in different ways.

For 32 years, Robins, through a partnership with the Middle Georgia Camellia Gardens Society and the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce, has paid tribute to the deceased members of Team Robins in an emotional, patriotic ceremony at its Camellia Gardens located across from the Horizons Club on base.

The 2008 event will take place Thursday at 10 a.m. in the garden.

Staff Sgt. Jermarquis Johnson, a chaplain assistant at the Robins Base Chapel who serves as a point of contact for the service, said the ceremony helps mark the service of those who have died.

Fifty-six people will be honored at this year's Camellia Gardens service with the reading of names, ringing of bells and reading of scripture.

Wreaths will also serve as reminders of those lost, and a 21-gun salute will be observed at the service.

Staff Sgt. Derek Johnson, a chaplain assistant at the base chapel, said the ceremony is a great opportunity to show appreciation for deceased loved ones.

"I think it's a good way for people to remember their loved ones and friends they've worked with over the years and just give them credit for what they've done and give them thanks," he said.

Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel Kim, a chaplain at the Base Chapel and project officer for the Camellia Gardens service, said the service is a great way for Robins to team with the local community to honor passed loved ones.

"Each service is a joint community initiative honoring the deceased of Robins Air Force Base military and those who served in civilian capacity," he said.

Robins and its partners teamed up in 1976 to establish and dedicate the garden, which memorializes the dead through celebration of life. The garden abounds with blossoms, birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.

The garden's entrance is marked by a brick and mortar wall displaying gold plaques with the names of nearly 1,500 deceased military and civilian members of Robins who have been honored in past memorial ceremonies.

Chaplain Kim said about 500 people attended the 2007 service, and the chapel is expecting more than 500 people to attend this year's ceremony.