DALTON, Ga. — Independence Day events here will be highlighted today by the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial Park and Wall on Veterans Drive.

“Work on the park and wall began about one year ago as a joint effort by the VFW Post and American Legion Post 112,” said Tonya Cornelison, a spokeswoman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4985.

Bob Skidmore, senior vice commander of the VFW Post, said speakers at the dedication will include representatives who served during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Land for the park was donated by the city of Dalton, and the city is very helpful with maintenance at the park,” Mr. Skidmore said. “The wall is curved and has granite plaques honoring area veterans from Whitfield, Murray and Catoosa counties.”

Mrs. Cornelison said the Veterans Memorial Park is the “first and only one in Dalton I’m aware of.”

She said D&S Monument is placing bricks purchased by parents and family members of veterans of American military service.

Mr. Skidmore stressed, “The park and wall is for all who served, not just those who died in combat.”

Dedication ceremonies will be led by VFW Post Commander Ed Kinney and American Legion Post Commander John Paul Bledsoe. Judy McNelley, of Whitfield County and also the mother of an Iraq War veteran, will also give remarks.

Charles Sprowel, the VFW chaplain and a World War II veteran, will deliver the invocation.

The entire ceremony that is expected to last about an hour.

The day’s festivities kick off with the annual VFW barbecue, held at Post 4985. The Post is at 618 Veterans Drive, not far from the park. Barbecue plates go on sale for $7 each beginning at 11:30 a.m., and after lunch the group will proceed to the park for the dedication, Mrs. Cornelison said.

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