TIFTON — Tift County football honored military veterans on Sept. 10, beginning with a visit to Tifton’s war memorials downtown.
Veterans, including Curtis Akins and Jack Stone, explained the importance of the monuments. After taking a minute to reflect at the marker of Tift County’s soldiers who fell in action, head coach Noel Dean offered to buy breakfast at 41 & Main for any veteran in attendance.
"I stand humbled in front of this wall," said Dean. "Our freedom has come from a lot of people sacrificing their lives and time."
Prior to the game against Appling County Friday night, veterans walked with the players and coaches at the Devil Walk. The Blue Devils wore special uniforms with military insignia and veterans’ names on the backs. Instead of the giant Tift County flag, cheerleaders ran out with an American flag.
Local veterans Curtis Akins and Jack Stone talk about the military monuments located downtown.
Becky Taylor
Players observe a monument listing Tift County residents killed in action during war.
Becky Taylor
Tift County football players pause to reflect on a memorial to soldiers who lost their lives in the battlefields.
Becky Taylor
The Devil Walk saw players, coaches and veterans march together.
Becky Taylor
Veterans accompany Tift County football players during the Devil Walk.
Becky Taylor
Special uniforms worn by Tift County had the names of veterans on the backs.
Becky Taylor
Rep. Austin Scott shakes hands with Appling County during the coin toss.
Becky Taylor
Cheerleaders run out with the team, led by the American flag.
Becky Taylor
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Local veterans Curtis Akins and Jack Stone talk about the military monuments located downtown.
Becky Taylor
Players observe a monument listing Tift County residents killed in action during war.
Becky Taylor
Tift County football players pause to reflect on a memorial to soldiers who lost their lives in the battlefields.
Becky Taylor
The Devil Walk saw players, coaches and veterans march together.
Becky Taylor
Veterans accompany Tift County football players during the Devil Walk.
Becky Taylor
Special uniforms worn by Tift County had the names of veterans on the backs.
Becky Taylor
Rep. Austin Scott shakes hands with Appling County during the coin toss.
Becky Taylor
Cheerleaders run out with the team, led by the American flag.