Governor, TAG join military, civilian leaders in signing 'Covenant

Atlanta, Sept. 9 -- A covenant represents a promise and an obligation, sacred and binding. Today at the Georgia State Capitol, Governor Sonny Perdue, Major General Terry Nesbitt, the Adjutant General of Georgia, and community leaders throughout Georgia signed a special covenant pledging to foster a very special relationship that has existed between citizens of the state and its military services for centuries.

Nesbitt signed the document on behalf of the Georgia National Guard, saying that Georgia’s military is very fortunate to be located in a state where the communities offer enormous support and encouragement of its uniformed members. "Our communities have shown time and again a sense of pride and honor for its members who sacrifice for their freedom and values."

More than 200 community, governmental and military service members came together in order to enhance an effective state and community partnerships that pledges to create and foster a quality of life for every service member and family.

 Perdue led in the signing the Georgia Armed Forces Community Covenant. Fourteen additional military and community leaders followed the Governor in symbolically cementing this partnership by each signing the oversized document.

Commenting on the significance of the document, Perdue said that Georgians owe a debt of gratitude to it military members. "The cause of freedom is a noble cause made possible by the sacrifices of countless Georgians yesterday, today and into the future," said Perdue. This special covenant binds together our men and women in uniform and their families, with the support of communities throughout the state."

Maj. Gen. Scott A. Hammond, Commander of the Georgia Air National Guard and Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Commander of the Georgia Army National Guard also signed the Covenant document along with many who were in attendance at the ceremony.