Members of the VFW Honor Guard fold an American Flag during the Veterans’ Day ceremony at the American Legion Post 255 on Monday. Hundreds turned out for the event, which also featured the reading of 19 names added to a memorial wall.

By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



Hundreds of north Jefferson residents turned out Monday to honor veterans at a Fultondale ceremony.

Community leaders and representatives from American Legion Post 255 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars were also on hand at the ceremony, held at the American Legion on U.S. 31.

“I thought we had a great turnout,” said Don Vaughn with the American Legion. “They get bigger and bigger each year.”

Mayor Jim Lowery attributed the large turnout to patriotism not only locally, but nationally. “You see more and more young people coming out and taking an interest in those serving our country,” he said. “You can also tell that pride in America by those loved ones who want to put those names on the wall.”

The American Legion and VFW have two ceremonies each year, on Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day, to honor men and women in the armed services.

During each ceremony, names of veterans are added to a memorial wall. At Monday’s service, 19 names were added to the wall. As David Daniel read the names of the men, Gary Smith chimed a bell, recognizing each veteran.

“Our veterans are passing away so fast,” Vaughn said. “We have to have these ceremonies two times a year to keep up with the names on the wall.”

Monday’s ceremony also featured patriotic music, courtesy of the Fultondale High School marching band. Additionally, Pearl McPherson sang the National Anthem and Kathy Hallmark sang “God Bless America.”

Other features of the ceremony included the folding of the flag by the VFW Honor Guard while John McGuire told those in attendance the symbolism of each fold in the flag.

The ceremony was capped by the laying of a memorial wreath by Gene Arwood, a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

Vaughn said he hoped the ceremony made an impact on those in attendance and also pointed out the purpose of the American Legion.

“People think at the American Legion we drink beer and get drunk,” he said. “I thought it was a great ceremony and I think the young people and the older people took a lot away from it.”

Fultondale City Councilman Darrell Hubbert said young soldiers who attend the events also have the opportunity to feel appreciated.

Hubbert’s daughter, Cpl. Chaney Hubbert, is stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. He said her attendance of past events “have been encouraging for her.”

Vaughn said the American Legion strives to work in the community, providing scholarships to students and financial assistance to veterans and their families. He said despite the group’s efforts, veterans are usually only remembered twice a year.

“The only time people think about them is when they watch the six o’ clock news and see the bad part of it,” he said.

Vaughn said he hoped Monday’s ceremony would encourage people to think about veterans and soldiers all year long.

He said residents can write letters to soldiers serving overseas. The Legion chose the “Write Your Troops” theme for their float in the Birmingham Veterans’ Day parade on Monday. He said the holidays are a good time to reach out to those in the armed forces.

“When you go to mail your Christmas cards, just send one to a soldier to let them know you’re thinking about them,” he said.