Local servicemen were among 26 honored today by Gov. Sonny Perdue at the state Memorial Day service.

“As Georgians, we remember especially 26 young men and women … 26 brave souls … who made that sacrifice in this last year,” said Perdue. “They are heroes; and today, we are reminded that our freedom is won at great cost. We share a spirit of thankfulness for their bravery and for their love of country.”

Area heroes honored were Jeffrey Jordan of Cave Spring, John Blair of Calhoun, Jason Estopinal of Dallas, Thomas Lee III and Raymundo Morales of Dalton and Seth Sharp of Adairsville.

Lt. Colonel Randall V. Simmons, Jr., Commander of the 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Georgia National Guard delivered the keynote address at the service.

A solemn tribute was offered for the 26 Georgia service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice and fallen on the field of battle in Iraq and Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom over the past year.