As several hundred people scanned the skies above Marietta's East Cobb Park, an A-10 Warthog made a ceremonial flyover.

The aircraft, seldom seen in these parts, was the successor to the A-1 Skyraider flown by Maj. James C. Wise Jr. on his last combat mission on Dec. 23, 1965.

(ENLARGE)

A memorial dedication ceremony was held Thursday at East Cobb Park for Air Force Major James C. Wise, who was killed in action in Vietnam on December 23, 1965. His daughters stood proud during the playing of the National Anthem. From left to right: Jamie Allen of Marietta; Vicki Corum, also of Marietta; and Cathy Minteer of Oldsmar, Florida. The annual event sponsored by Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Assocation, annually honors someone who was killed while in military service.

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Wise, who was shot down in Vietnam, was honored Thursday with the dedication of a Vietnam memorial inside the park and a program celebrating his life.

The Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association has now paid tribute to 22 of the 418 citizens from the metro area who lost their lives in Vietnam.

"This is exactly the right thing to do," said Col. George E. "Bud" Day, a Medal of Honor winner and president of the Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation. "We are in a better climate about our veterans in this year 2008 than we were back after Vietnam, when a lot of the public personally held it against the military people for having served," he said. "They came home to jeers instead of cheers, which is totally the wrong thing."

And for those who didn't come home, Day said, "This recognizes one serviceman's contribution on behalf of all of us."

"This was a good man who stepped up to the plate when it was his time and did his duty and lost his life doing it. That's the price of freedom."

The ceremony brought closure to the "Wise Girls," Lucille Wise Wilcox and her three daughters who were 7, 8 and 10 when their father died.

A bagpiper played "Amazing Grace" for the unveiling of the stone and plaque, which gave an account of Wise's life and service record.

"I thought it was just going to be a few words," Wise Wilcox said, "and I thought, 'That tells the history.'"

Engraved in the stone was the Atlanta group's adopted motto: "For those who fought for it, life has a flavor the protected never know."

Day also presented Wise's widow with a folded American flag, followed by the singing of "God Bless America" accompanied by the Atlanta Blue Notes band.

After the rifle salute by an honor guard, a bugler played the mournful notes of taps.

Jamie Wise Allen, the youngest daughter, said her emotions were "right on the edge."

"Other than the memorial in Washington D.C.," she said, "now we have a place locally that we can come to and spend time."

Huey, Cobra and Red Cross Dustoff Med Evac helicopters also made flyovers during the 80-minute ceremony.

"For all of us who were in Vietnam, we know what a Huey sounds like," said Cary S. King, president of the AVVBA.

The Atlanta group has more than 200 members. It has already started taking nominations for next year's honor. The number of candidates usually range from three to eight.

"We base a lot of it on if there are still family members or friends or people who served with this person," King said, "because it's real important for us to know that we can be in touch with those folks and that they can participate."

Day joins a list of illustrious guest speakers that includes Sen. Sam Nunn and Lt. Gen. John Castellaw, deputy commandant of Marine aviation.

Day was a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hilton for nearly six years. He shared a cell with Sen. John McCain, who helped heal Day's seriously wounded arm.

"It was pretty good, all things considered," Day said, rolling up the sleeve on his right arm. "It's about two inches shorter. As you can see, it's got a little bulb, but it's better than having the bone sticking out, you know?

"He just put his foot in my armpit and gave it a jerk, then wrapped it up with a bandage and a couple of little sticks of bamboo and it healed."