News Release

2018 Memorial Day Programs and Events at Andersonville

Date: May 7, 2018
Contact: Charles Barr, 229-924-0343 ext. 112

Release Date: May 07, 2018

Contacts:  Charles Barr, [e-mail], 229-924-0343, ext. 112
NR18-10                   

Memorial Day Programs and Events at Andersonville
Doug Livermore from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence’s Sensitive Special Operations Division to speak at Andersonville Memorial Day Program

ANDERSONVILLE, Georgia – Doug Livermore, from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence’s Sensitive Special Operations Division, will present the keynote address at the Memorial Day Observance Ceremony to be held in Andersonville National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 27. Doug Livermore was commissioned as an Infantry officer in 2004 upon graduation from West Point. He served two tours in Iraq as a light infantry platoon leader, battalion assistant operations officer, and heavy weapons company executive officer with the 4^th Battalion, 31^st Infantry Regiment, in the 2^nd Brigade of the 10^th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). After returning from his second tour in Iraq, Doug attended the Maneuver Captain Career Course before attending Special Forces Assessment and Selection. After Selection, Doug attended the SF Qualification Course, graduating at the top of his class before reporting to 3/10 Special Forces Group (Airborne). Over the next five years, Doug commanded a mobility team, a specialty team, served as a combat-deployed Task Force future plans officer, and finished his active duty tour as the special activities director for 3/10 SFG (A). During his time with 3/10 SFG (A), Doug led various SF elements during combat and other sensitive operations in Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Uganda, Djibouti, Afghanistan, and many other locations. After leaving active duty for the private sector, Doug served as the executive officer of C/2-20th SFG (A). As a civilian, Doug has stayed heavily involved in the SOF community through the SFA and his continued research/writing. He currently serves as a contractor in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence’s Sensitive Special Operations Division where he oversees, integrates, and advocates for special operations forces engaged in specialized activities around the world.

Memorial Day commemoration activities at Andersonville National Historic Site begin on Friday, May 18. Volunteers from Robins Riders and park staff will raise the Avenue of Flags, lining the cemetery roads with over 200 full-sized American flags and the National Prisoner of War Museum parking area with all 50 state flags.

On Saturday, May 26, hundreds of scouts and other volunteers will add to the patriotic atmosphere by placing a small American flag on more than 21,000 gravesites in Andersonville National Cemetery. The dramatic and moving display of thousands of veterans’ graves decorated with American Flags, set against a backdrop of over 200 full-sized American Flags, will create a powerful and patriotic setting for our Memorial Day Observance Ceremony.

On Sunday, May 27, a Memorial Day Observance Ceremony will be held in Andersonville National Cemetery. The U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence Band will perform beginning at 1:30 p.m. and the formal program will begin at 2:00 p.m. The ceremony will feature a keynote address from Doug Livermore; wreath presentations by several military, civic, and patriotic organizations; presentation of military honors including a rifle salute; and more.

On Monday, May 28, at 11:00 a.m. the Knights of Columbus will hold a special mass in the cemetery. The public is invited to attend.

“Memorial Day presents an opportunity to remember the military men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Superintendent Charles Sellars. “Many have paid the highest price in service to our nation. It is our great privilege to pay tribute to them, particularly those resting in honor here at Andersonville National Cemetery, each year at this time.”

Andersonville National Historic Site is located 10 miles south of Oglethorpe, GA and 10 miles northeast of Americus, GA on Georgia Highway 49. The national park features the National Prisoner of War Museum, Andersonville National Cemetery and the site of the historic Civil War prison, Camp Sumter. ­Andersonville National Historic Site is the only national park within the National Park System to serve as a memorial to all American prisoners of war. Park grounds are open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the museum open from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information on the park, call 229 924-0343, visit on the web at www.nps.gov/ande/, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/AndersonvilleNPS

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About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.