Residents and staff at Carlyle Place are honored that so many retired veterans have found camaraderie and well-deserved respect in our Macon, GA senior living community. That sense of pride flows through every inch of our Veterans Wall, which displays more than 250 photos of former and present Carlyle Place residents who served to protect our freedoms at home and abroad.
Director of Resident LifeSusan Bankston was part of the team that created our Veterans Wall, and she works closely with residents to keep it accurate and up to date. We asked her to give us the history of this hallowed space—and to describe how our community celebrates the dedication, sacrifice and achievements of our resident veterans.
Building a Fitting Tribute to Those Who Defended Our Freedoms
Located along our second-floor hallway, the Carlyle Place Veterans Wall actually takes up two walls that reflect the history of our country and our Macon, GA Life Plan Community. Alongside the photos, the display also features a folded flag, donated personal items and a “Missing Man” chair dedicated to POW/MIAs.
Susan recalls how the wall grew from humble beginnings. “Back in 2006, we began celebrating our retired veterans by putting together slide-show presentations on Veterans Day and Memorial Day,” she explains. “Afterwards, the photos were transferred to binders that were displayed in our main lobby.”
As time went by, Susan realized that the binders weren’t doing justice to our community’s heroes. “We were constantly shuffling papers, and the display just didn’t grab people’s attention the way we thought it should,” she says.
After a little brainstorming, the idea for a Veterans Wall was born. “We started this project in 2017,” Susan recalls, “but the unveiling didn’t take place until early 2018, because it took almost a year to sort through our records and make sure everyone was accounted for.”
For Susan, though, the stories the photos represent are what make the wall truly special. “We had one gentleman who stormed the beaches of Normandy and others who were stationed at Pearl Harbor on that fateful day. Hearing their firsthand accounts brought history to life better than anything you’ll see on TV.”
Serving Veterans Is Woven Into the Fabric of Our Community
Gracious amenities, healthy lifestyle programs, chef-inspired dining and a full continuum of on-site care make Carlyle Place an ideal retirement destination for active seniors of all backgrounds. And while there are plenty of senior living communities that welcome veterans, the staff at Carlyle Place is uniquely committed to serving those who’ve served our country.
Every year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, our Macon, GA Life Plan Community celebrates our resident veterans by holding a program in our Grande Ballroom. The veterans play a key role in arranging the day’s activities—including the invocation or benediction, which is usually given by Dan, a retired Air Force LtCol.
Often, these ceremonies feature an intergenerational element. “This Memorial Day was special, because Richard, a retired Army LTC, brought in a local Boy Scout Troop to do the presentation of colors,” Susan says. “We also had a young dining room server a few years back who wrote handwritten notes of thanks to everyone on our Veterans Wall who was still with us.”
Susan recalls another heartwarming story, this time on Father’s Day. “We encourage folks to use their military photos for our Veterans Wall, but that’s not always possible,” she explains. “After this resident had been living at Carlyle Place for a couple of years, his daughter called with news that she’d finally found her father’s military photo and asked if we could add it to the wall before her next visit. We placed an urgent work order to facility services and they got the job done in time for a wonder Father’s Day surprise!”
Senior Veterans Build Connections and Community in Macon, GA
In and around our lush 58-acre campus, retired veterans at Carlyle Place find a deep sense of camaraderie and fellowship. Several veterans groups, including the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) and Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), have an active presence here, allowing veterans to strengthen connections and friendships. Some of our vets have even taken honor flights to visit memorial sites in Washington, D.C. and other locations nationwide.
Retired veterans also invest their time and talents throughout the city of Macon and at nearby Robins Air Force Base. “One of our veterans, Theron, serves as chapter commander for the MOWW in Macon, which facilitate community-outreach programs,” Susan says. “For example, Theron worked with the junior ROTC at Rutland High to mentor young people in critical life skills, from applying for a job to employment interviews.”
The MOWW also arranged to have retired Air Force Colonel Ken Emery, the director of the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base, speak during one of our enrichment programs for seniors. “Colonel Emery works for the 78th Air Base Wing commander and he delivered a fascinating presentation about the future of the museum and stories related to the recovery and restoration of 50-70 year old aircraft,” Susan says.
“It’s just one more way that the thriving veterans community at Carlyle Place continues their legacy of service.”
Are You a Military Veteran Looking for a Life Plan Community?
Schedule a visit to our beautiful campus, where you can meet fellow service members and experience the warmth and energy of our friendly community. We’d be honored to have you as part of the Carlyle Place family and to add your photo to our Veterans Wall in the near future.
To learn more, call us today at (478) 405-4500.
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