Memorial services held one year after of his death paid tribute through words, song and dedication. The newly renamed LCPL Seth Sharp Memorial Intersection commemorates his courageous actions to all those passing through the intersection of U.S. Highway 41 and Ga. 140 in Adairsville.
A service held later at New Life Ministries, the Sharp family's home church, included the co-naming of a portion of U.S. 41 to be known as the LCPL Seth Sharp Memorial Highway.
At the interchange service, Bartow County Commissioner Clarence Brown spoke about the value of a soldier's dedication and Sharp's personal sacrifice to ensure the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.
"Seth Sharp gave the ultimate sacrifice," Brown said. "I think we should always remember Seth and the family because the family also sacrificed and I ask that as we ride through this intersection that we always remember."
Also speaking Friday afternoon was State Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, who authored the legislation to have the interchange renamed.
Sharp joined the Marine Corps when he was just 17, serving first a tour in Iraq before being deployed to Afghanistan where he was killed in Operation Strike of the Sword at the age of 20.
Servicemen from across the country gathered to honor one of their own, with friends and comrades from Sharp's military service traveling from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado and across the state of Georgia to remember a fallen soldier. Representatives from the Jake Puryear Detachment of the Marine Corps League supported the service by presenting the colors and unveiling the new intersection sign.
Sharp's former Company Cmdr. Eric Meador and his family made the journey from his current installation to show their support. Remembering Sharp's unmistakable personality, Meador shared some of his memories.
"Seth was that guy -- there's always jobs and work details that no one wants to do. He was always the guy that said, 'Come on guys, we got to do this,'" he said, adding that Sharp always had a joke to lighten the mood and encourage others. "He got a lot of stuff done just by bringing a little candid personality to the Marines."
Seth Sharp's father, Ric Sharp, spoke graciously to all parties connected with the services of July 2 to thank them and the community as a whole for the support that has been shown to the Sharp family. With tear-stained faces, the family of Seth Sharp watched the dedication ceremonies unfold leaving them "honored and speechless," said Ric Sharp.
"Even though this is a sad day, it's a good day. ... To know that his sacrifice was not in vain," he said.