The community of Statesboro will come together on Monday, May 26, 2025, to honor fallen veterans at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony held at the Averitt Center for the Arts, Emma Kelly Theater. The event, hosted by American Legion Post 90, will begin at 10:30 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts, followed by the formal program at 11 a.m.
This year’s keynote speaker is Commander Larry Shatteen, a native of Statesboro and a decorated military veteran. Born on July 15, 1956, Shatteen graduated from Marvin Pittman Laboratory School in 1973 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Georgia Southern College in 1977. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served for 14 years.
During his military career, Shatteen earned a master’s degree in human resource management from Pepperdine University and served as the Logistics/Embarkation Officer for the 6th Marine Expeditionary Brigade during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After leaving the Marine Corps in 1991, he joined the Georgia Army National Guard, where he served as an NBC NCO and deployed to Iraq in 2003 and Afghanistan in 2009 before retiring in 2012.
His numerous military honors include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, and several service medals recognizing his dedication and sacrifice.
Currently, Larry Shatteen serves as commander of the VFW Boswell A. Johnson Post 10825 in Statesboro.
The Memorial Day ceremony will include musical performances, prayers, and the solemn reading of the names of local veterans who gave their lives in service. Following the ceremony, the American Legion invites attendees to a community lunch at their building on Rucker Lane.
Residents of Statesboro and surrounding areas are encouraged to attend this important event to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served our country.
