Area veterans are stressing that Saturday’s memorial dedication is not an opportunity for political candidates to “press the flesh.”

The dedication, which is set for 10 a.m. Saturday on the south lawn of the courthouse, is an opportunity to honor soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, said George Mann, of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

“They are welcome to come, but I better not see anyone handing out political cards,” he said.

According to County Commission Chairman Wiley Kitchens, while invitations have been sent to many political candidates on the state and local level, the intention is not to create a political forum.

“This is not a political event. This is purely to honor those who serve and sacrifice for their country,” he said during a previous commission meeting.

Saturday’s event is being held to dedicate a new war memorial outside the courthouse to soldiers who are serving or have served in operations Iraqi and Afghan Freedom.

According to Mann, who spearheaded the movement and helped raise more than $3,000 for the memorial, the families of three fallen, Cullman County soldiers will be honored during the event.

County residents Adam Fales, Jonathan Smith and Mike Nelson all gave their lives while serving in Iraq. Mann said plaques will be presented to their families as a token of appreciation for the sacrifices made.

The rest of the ceremony will be jointly sponsored by the local chapters of the American Legion under the direction of Comm. Herman Reid, and the Military Order of the Purple Hearts under the direction of Mann.

Guest speakers will include Major General James H. Pillsbury, commander of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Col. Jackie T. Morgan, Bro. Marvin Brock, Bro. Andrew Ball and Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley.

According to Kitchens, who contacted Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama, to get Pillsbury to attend, the speaker is a two-star general who recently returned from service in Iraq.

“He’s very well decorated,” Kitchens said.

In addition, the program will include members of the Alabama National Guard who will serve as color guard and play taps to close the ceremony.

A military Humvee will also be on hand for the public to inspect.

While still tentative, Mann said they are expecting a flyover by military aircraft either from the Navy or the Air Force.

“It just feels wonderful to have come this far,” Mann said. “I want to thank neighbors, clubs, veterans organizations and businesses for helping this day come. A lot of people in Cullman County donated to this thing.”

A portion of 6th Street directly adjacent to the courthouse will be closed during the event.

According to Mann, the program will also be dedicated to recently deceased county resident Col. Budd. E. Baumgardener, who served in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts before retiring.

Mann said additional donations to the Military Order of the Purple Heart will be accepted during the ceremony.