One year later, on July 2, 2010, a memorial service will be held in his hometown to honor a lost son and an American hero. Events will begin at 6 p.m. at New Life Ministries at 311 N. Main St. in Adairsville.
Sharp, 20, served in the U.S. Marine Corps with Company E of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines upon his death. He enlisted when he was 17 and had served a previous seven-month tour in Iraq.
Steve Morrow, pastor at New Life Ministries, shared memories of Sharp from coaching him in football to serving as his family's pastor.
"Seth was a delightful young man. He was always smiling and very dedicated. He excelled at everything," Morrow said, adding that in football Sharp continued to play at Adairsville High School and in the Marines he met every physical challenge.
Morrow added that he has spoken with several of Sharp's fellow soldiers and they shared with him that even though Sharp often joked around and pulled pranks, whenever they needed advice they went to him.
Since Sharp's passing, Morrow said that his family has shown incredible courage. In particular, he noted that Seth Sharp's father, Ric Sharp, has received hundreds of letters from around the world and has taken the time to reply to each one.
The memorial service will include words from Ric Sharp, at which time he will present an American flag to the city of Adairsville that was given to the family after Seth was killed in action.
Representing the city of Adairsville will be Mayor Evan King. He will be presenting the signs that have been made for the co-naming of a portion of U.S. Highway 41 within the Adairsville city limits to the LCPL Seth Sharp Memorial Highway.
"A young man from our community has given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms -- this is the anniversary of his passing and this is just a small way that we can remember him and remember his sacrifice for his country," King said.
In addition to the roadway naming ceremony, State Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, will be presenting the co-naming of the U.S. Highway 41 and Ga. 140 interchange to the LCPL Seth Sharp Memorial Intersection. Loudermilk authored a resolution memorializing this interchange; however, such co-namings are no longer paid for with state funds. Therefore, private funds are needed for the signage pertaining to the memorial. A fund has been set up at United Community Bank. Those wishing to donate can give at any UCB location specifying the "Seth Sharp Interchange project."
"We can never repay the sacrifice that Seth and his family have made for us," said Loudermilk in a press release. "But this intersection will serve as a reminder to everyone that passes through Adairsville that there is a cost for our freedom."
A memorial video of Seth Sharp also will be presented during the service along with music and the singing of patriotic songs.
After the service at New Life Ministries, Hometown USA events will be taking place in downtown Adairsville that evening. Beginning at 6 p.m., a reception for the Hometown USA art exhibit will open at Arts on the Square, 122 Public Square. From 7 to 9 p.m., a concert by 3 Minutes to Fame will be at the gazebo benefiting Advocates for Children. All donations will be made in memory of Seth Sharp. For a full list of the Advocates for Children's wish list, call Alisha Cline of Arts on the Square at 770-773-3628.