An inspirational address by U.S. Navy veteran and former Climax resident Doug Tatum and a beautiful rendition of the song “American Tears” by the Hutto Middle School chorus highlighted Friday’s annual Bainbridge Bikefest veterans ceremony.
The ceremony, held in Bainbridge’s Willis Park, began with the presenting of the colors by the Bainbridge High School Air Force Junior ROTC color guard.

Tatum, who now lives in Cairo, Ga., said he joined the United States Navy in 1971 and served as a door gunner on a Navy helicopter in Vietnam..

In war, you fight for each other and your leaders,” Tatum said. “You also fight for your flag and your country, but your main concern is the safety of your fellow military buddies.

“We are here today to support past veterans, current veterans, and those who will be veterans in the future.”

Following the ceremony, bikers, many of them with flags waving, left in a long parade procession to the Bikefest grounds on Pond Town Road.