Memorial Day Ceremony canceled

Published 8:59 am Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Organizers have called off the Memorial Day ceremony that was to be held May 30 at the North Jefferson Veterans Park. The annual ceremony is hosted jointly by Hawkins B. Carter American Legion Post 255 and North Jefferson VFW Post 10250.

American Legion Post 255 Vice Commander Tom O’Janovac said the post sustained heavy damage from the storm.

Volunteers worked for five days to get the building emptied.

O’Janovac said engineers have examined the building, but it will be a few more weeks until the members know whether they will be able to repair the building or will be forced to condemn it and rebuild.

The building is 87 years old, O’Janovac said, and would have to be brought up to current city codes if officials determine the building is salvageable.

Officials at American Legion Post 113 in Tarrant City have offered to let the Fultondale members meet there temporarily.

North Jefferson VFW Post 255 also has held its monthly meetings in an upstairs room on American Legion property. The VFW will hold its next meeting on May 31 at Fultondale City Hall at 6:30 p.m. VFW Commander Steve Marion said post members will discuss and possibly vote on a new meeting location.

Post members and volunteers moved most of the post’s items to Brookside VFW Post 6173 for temporary storage.

The VFW and American Legion had been collecting names to be etched onto the North Jefferson Memorial Wall and read aloud during the Memorial Day service.

O’Janovac said the names will be added to the wall in time for the Veterans Day service on Nov. 11. The names will be read aloud during the Veterans Day ceremony.