Thursday morning, a local hero was honored and memorialized when the intersection of US29/SR14 West Point Road at Pegasus Parkway was named after U.S. Army Sergeant Corey Emmett Spates. Spates, who was killed in action while serving in Iraq in 2008, was native to Troup County and graduated from Troup County High School. He died in service to his country, leaving behind a community that mourned his loss and wanted to properly honor his life.

The journey to the memorialization that took place on Thursday was neither easy nor short, and took the combined and concentrated efforts of the Spates family, the Georgia Department of Transportation and many state and local officials. The Sgt. Corey E Spates Purple Heart Memorial Intersection will now forever encapsulate the work and sacrifice of one of Troup County’s own.

“This meant everything to me,” said Corey’s brother, Michael Spates. “He gave the ultimate price and this is just a small token of what the county can give to us, so this means a lot.”

Spates, a local man who felt the call to serve his country, will now be forever recognized in his home town.

While divisions continue to run rampant through society, with little political common ground available between those of differing beliefs, the actions of the county and state in this case can be universally praised. Those who serve our country deserve our utmost respect, and this recognition and memorialization is a small gesture to reflect this honor.

We are proud of all involved in this effort, and thankful the Spates family has seen this project through to fruition.