The St. Simons Rotary Club invites the community to join them in Neptune Park for the annual Taps at Twilight program on Memorial Day, May 29. This tribute and traditional observance of the holiday began in 1991 to honor the men and women who have fallen in the service of our country, those who have valiantly served and returned, and those who are serving today. There will be an honor guard presentation, patriotic music performed from the St. Simons Casino bandstand, including anthems for each branch of service and the National Anthem and the ceremony will conclude with the playing of Taps.

Patriotic music will be performed by The Golden Isles Community Band. The event is free and open to the public; guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets as seating is not provided.

Lieutenant Colonel Steve Bolton, Hunter Army Airfield Commander returns as guest speaker, by popular request.  Lt. Col. Bolton is a Special Forces officer who served in Haiti, Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, Djibouti, and Tchad, and in five South and Central American partner nations for security cooperation activities. His awards include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service, Meritorious Service, Joint Commendation, Army Commendation, and Army Achievement Medals; the Combat Action, Combat Medical, Master Parachutist, and Master Free-Fall Parachutist Badges; and the Special Forces Tab. Lt. Col. Bolton will be introduced by Jonathan Haney.

Scott Townley will play bagpipes for the event. The 30 voice Celebration Singers Youth Choir from First United Methodist Church, Tucker, GA, directed by Lynn Duke Urda will perform. Leslie Mattingly will sing the National Anthem. Taps will be played by Ann Marie Stirewait of The Golden Isles Brass Choir. The invocation will be given by Rev. Kenny Grant, Teaching Pastor at Community Church, Brunswick. The floral wreath presentation will be by St. Simons Rotarians Dick James and Charles Lewis.

St. Simons Rotary appreciates the help of Glynn County Parks & Recreation Department, the Glynn County Police Department, Tony McCall who handles all audio and sound, and Premier Printing. Their support and that of many throughout the Golden Isles make this community event possible.