In honor of Tifton's 150th anniversary, they spent Friday morning honoring their own hometown hero.

City leaders held a special ceremony recognizing 95 year old United States Army Retired, Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr.

Colonel Puckett is a Medal of Honor Recipient who returned to his hometown on Friday where he was with recognized with a city proclamation, key to the city, and a street named after him called 'Victory Drive.'

Colonel Robert Choppa spoke on his friend and expressed how Colonel Puckett has continued his legacy as a warrior.

He went on to say how Colonel Puckett has always been a natural leader who exceeded all expectations.

"The people of the United States expected and trusted Ralph Puckett to be a warrior capable of doing things with his mind, his hands, his soul, better than anyone else in the world," expressed Colonel Choppa.

Colonel Choppa went on to explain how Colonel Puckett's leadership abilities exhibited the soul of a warrior.

He expressed how Colonel Puckett knew that there is no second place in combat, and that he expected greatness of his team because those who weren't the best wouldn't make it out alive.

July 1st will now always be recognized as a special day in the City of Tifton as Mayor Julie Smith proclaimed.

Mayor Smith said that it was fitting to recognize Tifton's greatest individuals and that she's honored to have been able to proclaim July 1, 2022 as Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr. Day in Tifton.

Colonel Choppa asked everyone to give thanks to Colonel Puckett and others like him who have dedicated their life in the fight for this country.

"Thank you Tifton for raising a son whose only fear was for survival of his men in battle, we sleep knowing that there are those like Ralph Puckett on watch ready to fight evil entirely, ready to keep freedoms and keep America strong," expressed Colonel Choppa.