Georgia state representatives visit South Columbus to honor the late Pops Barnes

COLUMBUS, GA ( WRBL ) — Jerry “Pops” Barnes was honored in the district he represented by a group of state representatives and volunteers ahead of the Fourth of July.

Democratic State Representatives Debbie Buckner, Teddy Reese, and Caroyln Hugley began placing American flags throughout  District 1 and Barnes neighborhood as part of a bigger project across state districts.

Barnes’ daughter Simmi shared with WRBL what their efforts means to the family. Barnes says that the placing of flags will stand as a subtle reminder of her dad. She says it shows that her fathers  sacrifice to the community is not in vain.

Tuesday morning, the group of volunteers and state representatives placed 350 flags in several neighborhoods of District one.

“We just want every flag to be  a remembrance of him,” says State House Representative Teddy Reese of District 140.

Reese finishes, “So as you’re driving by those flags, lets think about him, lets think about this spirit as we go into the 4th of July season and what great country we live in because we’ve had people that come along like Pop Barnes.”

State House Representative Debbie Buckner of District 137 quoted the Speaker of the House of Georgia by saying a story seldom told is quickly forgotten. Buckner says by placing flags in remembrance of Barnes, she is helping to tell his story one more time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.