A tribute to veterans

Veterans will be celebrated with activities at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday, May 28, 2017. The public is invited to this patriotic tribute, taking place from 1-3:30 p.m., at the park, which is located near the Liberty Parkway exit of I-459. There is no admission fee and all activities are outdoors.

From 1-1:45 p.m., the Bob Moore Band will perform while guests view the Regiment of Columns, where they will see stories, letters, artwork and inscriptions about Alabama veterans and the state’s 24 Medal of Honor recipients. Next to the columns is the Hall of Honor, where guests can see the names of the 11,000 Alabamians who lost their lives in service. The “Faces of the Price of Freedom” exhibit honors Alabama military who have given their lives in service since Sept. 11, 2001. Sponsored by the Blue Star Salute organization, the exhibit will be on display throughout the event.

At 2 p.m., the newest Stepstones installed at the park will be dedicated during a special ceremony honoring those whose names are on the engraved bricks. StepStones are permanently installed at the park to honor any veteran, living or deceased, and are dedicated twice a year.

Boy Scouts from the Vulcan district will open the event as they lead the Pledge, present the Colors, and read names of Alabamians who gave their lives in service in 2016. Volunteers from Bugles Across America will peform “Echo Taps,” and SFC (Ret) Stephanie Whatley-Farmer will sing the national anthem. Admiral Clyde Marsh of Alabama’s Office of Veterans Affairs will speak.

Free shuttles will be provided from the parking area to the park, and seating is provided at the event. For more information, go to alabamaveterans.org.

- Submitted by Alice Elmore