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On Wednesday, Poplar Creek Senior Living in LaGrange held an early Independence Day celebration for residents.

Decked in patriotic attire residents enjoyed a cookout with hotdogs and hamburgers, as well as activities throughout the morning and afternoon. Musical entertainment was also provided by “The Music Man” who was brought in from Atlanta to perform.

Poplar Creek Executive Director Kim Skiff said the event also gave the nursing home an opportunity to honor their veteran residents. The senior living center currently has three veterans, Fred Berkebile and Jasper Davis, who served in the U.S. Army and Kenneth Fields, who served in the U.S. Navy.

Davis said he served in the Army during World War II. These days he’s a champion at putting together puzzles, an activity he loves, his caretakers said.

Skiff said the idea to hold the July 4 celebration came from their activities cooridinator, who planned a fun-filled day for their residents.

“Gina decided that she wanted to do a big celebration because we do have three veterans and we just wanted to get everybody involved on July 4,” Skiff said. “I know sometimes it can get a little lonely and we decided just to do a big celebration and a cookout for them.”

It’s the first time Poplar Creek has held a July 4 celebration but they plan to continue the tradition after the success of Wednesday’s event. It’s not the first time they had a holiday event though. She said they typically gave gatherings for major holidays, along with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.