WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) – While the Chattanooga community gathered at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, a similar mission was taking place just across the state line at the Tennessee Georgia Memorial Park.
Two years ago, a local woman named Donata Walker founded Donata’s Wreaths Across Walker County after being inspired by Wreaths Across America and Wreaths Across Chattanooga.
She wanted to make sure veterans in her own community were honored as well.
Although Walker has since passed away, her legacy continues through her daughter, Juanita Walker Bloodworth.
Juanita says her mother was originally from the Philippines, where she met her future husband while he was stationed overseas.
After moving to the United States, Walker became a citizen on the Fourth of July, a moment that deepened her love for the country.
“She absolutely loved America and loved this country,” Bloodworth said. “The Fourth of July was her favorite holiday. She was full of life and deeply patriotic, and this cause was very near and dear to her heart.”
Throughout the day, multiple ceremonies were held across the region to honor those who have served.
News 12 was honored to bring you coverage from two of those events in our local area.
