11/20/2025
A few months ago, our Eastman City Council signed a joint proclamation with the Dodge County Board of Commissioners to designate today as John L. Battle, Sr. Day in the City of Eastman and Dodge County. All citizens were urged to celebrate Mr. Battle's accomplishments and remember his work toward the improvement of the quality of life of all residents in our city and throughout the county, regardless of s*x, race, color, national origin, or religion. Please feel free to share your favorite John Battle, Sr. photo or story with us in the Comments section below.
Recently, the City Council of the City of Eastman and the Dodge County Board of Commissioners passed a joint proclamation declaring November 20, 2025, John L. Battle Sr. Day in the City of Eastman and Dodge County. Before recently passing away, Mr. Battle was a frequent visitor at Eastman City Hall and our City Council meetings. He always greeted you with a smile and represented this community well. His accomplishments are a mile long as he worked diligently for decades to help improve the quality of life of our residents. Mr. Battle will be truly missed. Help us celebrate John L. Battle, Sr. Day later this year on November 20.
PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF EASTMAN AND THE DODGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
2025-001
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Eastman and the Dodge County Board of Commissioners recognize John L. Battle, Sr., on the anniversary of his birth on November 20, 1946, and his contributions to the City of Eastman and Dodge County and now establishes a special day to be known as John L. Battle, Sr. Day in recognition of his community commitment and his accomplishments; and,
WHEREAS, John L. Battle, Sr., was born and raised in Dodge County, Georgia, attended and graduated from Peabody High School in Dodge County, Savannah State University and Ft. Valley State University; and,
WHEREAS, John L. Battle, Sr. was a highly decorated combat veteran, awarded the Purple Heart and retired from Warner Robins Air Force Base with an Honorable Discharge; and,
WHEREAS, John L. Battle, Sr. lived a life of service, leadership, and purpose and exemplified community commitment throughout his life; and,
WHEREAS, John L. Battle, Sr., was instrumental in assisting the City of Eastman in celebrating Juneteenth Celebrations and restoring the Historic Peabody High School with the United Concerned Citizens of Dodge County, Inc.; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council and Board of Commissioners recognize that John Battle was honored by the NAACP Georgia State Conference, and that John Battle served as President of the Dodge County NAACP Branch and State District Coordinator, and was a dedicated servant leader and unwavering in his commitment to justice, equality, and community; and,
WHEREAS, it is fitting that John L. Battle, Sr. Day be observed throughout the City of Eastman and Dodge County; and,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the City Council of the City of Eastman and the Dodge County Board of Commissioners, it is hereby resolved by the authority of same as follows:
That they do hereby declare November 20, 2025, John L. Battle, Sr. Day in the City of Eastman, Georgia, and Dodge County and urge all citizens to celebrate his accomplishments and remember his work toward the improvement of the quality of life of all residents of Dodge County, regardless of s*x, race, color, national origin or religion.
SO PROCLAIMED, this the 11th day of August, 2025.
Signed by City of Eastman Council Chairman Graham Snyder and Dodge County Board of Commissioners Chairman Dan McCranie
