VALDOSTA — Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Adam McSween, 26, of Valdosta, formerly of York, Neb., died April 6, 2007 from enemy action while conducting combat operations near Kirkuk, Iraq.

On Friday, the Georgia Christian School class of 1998 remembered McSween and celebrated his life and heroism during a Memorial Flag Ceremony. McSween was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and received the Bronze Star with “V” (Combat Distinguished Device), Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbons.

Three hundred people, including current students and faculty as well as McSween’s classmates, gathered at Georgia Christian’s flagpole to share McSween’s exemplary naval and Christian life.

Opening remarks and words of comfort were given by McSween’s classmate, Matt Malone, followed by a prayer by McSween’s Bible teacher, David Nelson. Before the flag ceremony, McSween’s teacher addressed the crowd, honoring one of his former students.

“Adam McSween was a true American. One that realized it wasn’t about what he expected from life, but what life expected of him. You can show your appreciation to him without going to his grave in Nebraska. You can thank him and the thousands of other men and women who have given their lives so that we can enjoy the many freedoms we all too often take for granted,” said Brad Lawson. “Every time you say the pledge of allegiance or sing the National Anthem and give them their due respect, you are saying thank you to those who sacrificed everything. I think if Adam were here today, he would challenge each and every one of us to be part of something bigger than ourselves because he knew where true joy comes from.”

Lawson then explained proper etiquette for a flag-changing ceremony to the crowd as proud friends and school officials held their hands over their hearts.

Lawson then quoted John 15:16, further illustrating how dedicated McSween was to something bigger than himself. Lawson said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. Please focus on what the words of the Pledge of Allegiance and on the selflessness that Adam McSween and others have given so that we all could be here today.”

The raising and lowering of the flag was followed by a prayer by Mike Johnson, another of McSween’s classmates.

“We are celebrating our 10-year class reunion, and we just wanted to honor Adam as a hero. We are so proud to be a part of his class,” said Nikki Warren, a classmate and coordinator of the event. “This is a way we could celebrate and honor our classmate. Adam truly loved the Lord and obviously loved his country very much also.”

“Adam was an awesome individual, and we are very proud of him. He always made you smile,” said Patience Lawson, a classmate.

A bronze plaque will be installed with the new flags that were raised to commemorate McSween’s life and military service.