Yesterday (Veterans Day) President Bush dedicated the newly refurbished USS Intrepid in New York City.  After months of renovation and over $120 Million raised by enthusiastes of the famous battle ship the memorial was opened by the President.

The USS Intrepid saw some of the heaviest fighting of World War II including battles in the Marshall Islands in January and February of 1944 where over 90 of its crew were killed in combat. The ship and her crew also saw combat in the Philipines and in Okinawa.

One of those crew members was Chattooga County native, Willie Bearden.  Bro. Willie Bearden as he was most well known around here also served as pastor or interim pastor or preached in almost every Baptist church in Chattooga County.  Bro. Bearden won numerous metals during World War II including the WWII Victory Metal, the Good Conduct Metal, the Navy Achievement Metal and a Presidential Citation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Bro. Bearden has passed away, but his service to his country and Chattooga County  has not been forgotten both as a Navy Veteran and a beloved Pastor.

Another Chattooga County Veteran that served on the USS Intrepid was Trion native Paul Rosser.  Mr. Rosser still lives in Trion and AM 1180 Chattooga County Radio would like to extend our thanks to him and all veterans who have served our country.

 Bro. Bearden’s family at Veterans Day Service yesterday in Summerville at  J. R. "Dick" Dowdy Park.