By John Underwood / john@gulfcoastmedia.com
LOXLEY, Alabama — Municipalities and organizations in Central and North Baldwin will once again be honoring veterans beginning with a celebration for veterans and their families Friday, Nov. 1 at the Loxley Civic Center, hosted by the town of Loxley.
Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on Nov. 11, that honors all persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans Day coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, an observance of the anniversary of the end of World War I in which major hostilities were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
In the United States, Armistice Day was officially renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all U.S. military veterans. Memorial Day, which is observed the last Monday in May each year, honors U.S military veterans who died while in military service, while Armed Forces Day, also observed each year in May, honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.
Loxley
Beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, the town of Loxley will honor veterans from all military conflicts in all branches of service with a pot-luck meal, followed by a short program, beginning with a Parade of Flags with a veteran presenting the flag for each branch of service with that branch’s signature song.
The Little Heritage American Girls Troop AL 3130 and Trail Life USA Troop AL 1412 will carry the flag of the United States and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. Special music will be provided by Bennie Green.
Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Granada, the Persian Gulf, UN Peacekeeper veterans (Bosnia, Serbia, Somalia, Middle East); Iraq/Afghanistan and Cold War veterans will be honored, along with wives and widows of veterans.
Taps will be played in honor of all fallen heroes and door prizes from local businesses will be presented. Music for the evening will be presented by the City Rhythm Big Band.
Robertsdale
The George P. Thames Senior Center will present a program to honor veterans beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at the PZK Hall, 17833 Alabama 104, Robertsdale.
Guest speakers for the event will include Dawn Biggs, volunteer coordinator with the city of Daphne, who will address guests about a program called Retired Senior Veterans Program, which is in the process of setting up locations throughout the area to film interviews with local veterans. There will also be a veteran speaker, Leon McGhee, presented by American Legion Post 99 in Foley.
Veterans of all branches of military service will be honored. Pins will be presented by Bob Bunton with American Legion Post 99 and Sissy Cunningham with Alabama Hospice.
Lunch will be served following the ceremony.
There will be a display of photos, certificates, awards, medals, etc. There will also be a slide show display featuring local veterans. If you would like to include items contact the center at 251-947-8973.
Bay Minette
The City of Bay Minette will host a Veterans Day Program on Monday, Nov. 11 beginning with breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Bay Minette Civic Center.
A Veteran’s Day Parade will be held beginning at 10:15 a.m., parade assembles at 9:30 a.m. at BMES.
A ceremony will be held at The Eternal Flame on Courthouse Square will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony at the Korean War Memorial at 11 at the Bay Minette Public Library.
Special thanks to event sponsors, including the city of Bay Minette, Baldwin County Commission, Baldwin EMC, Quincy Compressor, North Baldwin Infirmary, North Baldwin Utilities, Standard Furniture, Gulf Packaging Inc., Coastal Alabama Community College and Stuart Construction.
All branches of military service will be honored. For more information call 251-937-5665.
Silverhill
A program to honor veterans will be held beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11 at the Silverhill Veterans Memorial, located in Anderson Park on Main Street (Alabama 104), across from Town Hall.
Program will include guest speakers, recognition of all veterans, recognition of fallen soldiers, and live bugle music.
The site has been prepared for two polished granite memorials to be placed on either side of the larger memorial, which will include names of all local veterans who served. A dedication ceremony will be held at a later date.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.
Several area schools also hold Veterans Day programs every year. Check with your local school for day and times.
