On Friday, May 7, dozens of people gathered at the South Bibb Recreation Center to remember and honor Lance Corporal Cary Becham. Mayor Lester Miller and Commissioners were on hand to officially dedicate a portion of Sardis Church Road Extension to him.
Cary Becham served in the Vietnam War as a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, and he earned a Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat “V,” two Purple Hearts, and a Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V,” as well as many other awards for his distinguished and heroic service. In 1969, Georgia Governor Lester Maddox appointed LCpl Becham as a Lieutenant Colonel Aide de Camp of the Governor’s staff in honor of his distinguished and heroic military service, and in 1970, Mayor Ronnie Thompson presented him with a key to the City of Macon.
LCpl Becham’s family, friends, and other veterans took part in the special tribute. Mayor Miller and Commissioner Bill Howell took the podium to share their sentiments, before the unveiling of the road sign.
“We always hear ‘All gave some. Some gave all.’ I just want to point out that Cary gave more than most,” said Commissioner Howell, as he remembered LCpl and their time working together at the post office.
“We can’t ever forget our men and women who made so many sacrifices to give us the freedom we have today,” said Mayor Miller. “I travel this road all the time, and it’s going to be on my heart and mind every time.”
LCpl Becham’s two sons, Steven Becham and Jody Epps, shared some fond memories of their dad.
“My dad was my hero and is my hero,” said Becham. “As a kid, I thought he was superman.”
“I’m so glad that we’re here to honor him as what he meant to me, to all of you, to this community,” said Epps. “Every day, for the rest of our lives, long after we are gone, this road here is in his honor.”
After everyone spoke, guests crossed the street for the unveiling of the sign at the intersection of Sardis Church and Houston Roads.
LCpl Becham retired from the United States Postal Service after twenty-five years and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans, an avid golfer and fisherman, and a fan of NASCAR racing and the Georgia Bulldogs.
You can watch full dedication here.