OLYMPIC TORCH
During one of Patty's stays in Emory Hospital her father read an article
in one of the newspapers regarding the nominations of people for carry-
ing the 1996 Olympic Torch through Georgia. Patty's father immediately
thought of Patty and discussed this with her. She insisted she would
never be selected to carry the Torch. However, her father did nominate
her and in February 1996 Patty received a letter from The Atlanta Co-
mittee For The Olympic Torch. In part it stated." Congratulations!!!
You have been selected as a Community Hero Torchbearer for the 1996
Olympic Torch Relay." In honor of the outstanding contributions you
have made to others in your community, I would like to personally
invite you carry the Olympic Torch Flame, the most sacred symbol of
the Olympic Movement."
The 1996 Olympic Torch Relay, sponsored by Coca-Cola, began on April
27, 1996 in Athens, Greece and concluded at the Opening Ceremony of
the 1996 Olympic Games on July 19 in Atlanta, Georgia. Patty was one
of more than 10,000 individuals chosen to carry the Olpmpic Flame along
this route. During the months between February and July Patty attended
a number of events honoring the Georgia Torch Bearers. She received
many letters and cards of congratulations from many State Officials and
friends throughout Georgia.
Not many weeks before she was to participate in the run she received
her Official Uniform for the event. She was overjoyed when she receive-
ed this----now she had something in her hand to make her realize she was
actually going to participate in the Torch Run. Through out her home
town of Woodland, Georgia large Coca-Cola signs as well as home made
signs were placed along the route with her name on them. This gesture
overjoyed everyone in the family. Two representatives from Coca-Cola
drove up in her parent's yard and ask if they could place several signs in the
yard and surrounding area. These men were not aware they were at
Patty's home place. Her family was thrilled to watch these men put up
these large banners. Excitement began to rise as countdown to July
12 was approaching, At this time Patty was living in Thomaston and
was an elementary school teacher in Upson County. Therefore her seg-
ment of carrying the Torch was run in Upson County on Highway 36 W.
To add to the excitement the family was notified the Torch Relay would
be carried by her parent's home where Patty grew up. Patty was the
second bearer to carry the flame in Upson County. As the caravan began
to get closer and closer excitement escaluated as hundreds of family members
and friend gathered along her site where Dr. Jim Elsey lighted her torch.
Signs were placed along her route congratulating Patty and people
were chanting, "GO PATTY GO!!!" At the end of her run the caravan
stopped to pick up Patty. One of her cousins, John Buckner, jumped in
behind Patty and handed her a dozen red roses. This was truly Patty's
night. The happiest time in her life at that point. Patty's torch hangs
in her parent's home today.To view all pictures please scroll page to
your left and down.
