Lake Lanier’s bluest skies and warmest mid-November temperatures welcomed hundreds of men and women to the 2nd Annual Partners in Public Service Appreciation Luncheon at Buford Dam Park on Lake Lanier, held on Thursday, November 14, sponsored in part by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The official name of this dandy BBQ picnic doesn’t mention BBQ, a picnic or the fact that it’s a gathering of what regular people would probably call “heroes” who serve all day every day to keep Lake Lanier safe … and who rescue those who call for help.
(Good thing I get to make up my own headlines.)
Delicious BBQ, gallons of sweet tea, a long lunch hour and a time to gather with fellow heroes isn’t much of a payback for these valiant servants, but it’ll have to do for now.
There were no award presentations or long speeches. Just a time to say, “Thanks. We don’t know what we’d do without you.” Lunch from Sonny’s BBQ was fabulous and so was the company.
The gentleman sitting across the picnic table from me was as friendly as can be. Spoke of fishing with his son and lessons learned from cleaning fish. We laughed about how hard it is to catch fish and enjoyed the kind of chit-chat that is the perfect complement to a picnic on a sunny day.
Shortly after I began to appreciate and respect The Man at The Picnic Table, I was stunned to learn a fact about him that other people knew — and didn’t hold against him. This affable, pleasant man was <gasp> a real, live politician by the name of Billy Powell, a Hall County Commissioner from District 2. From now on it’s going to be tough to presume that all politicians are scurvy dogs who want to give away public buildings and build bridges to nowhere. I am unaware of his political views, but I respect Mr. Powell as a pleasant person and caring father.
The people who have the most prominent jobs serving Lake Lanier were there, with representatives of several area chambers of commerce, scores of law enforcement officers, fire and rescue personnel and plenty of quiet heroes who will never be publicly recognized … except for the Heroes’ BBQ.
From all of us who live near Lake Lanier — one of the most glorious spots God ever created — to all who strive to make it cleaner, safer or even more beautiful … thank you.
We might not tell you enough, but we appreciate you!
