By Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer/Photos by Bob Ealum
“The 3 elevens are a mental marker to help us remember November 11, 1918, the end of the war to end all wars. The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month has a significant meaning,” stated Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr. “It means little to some and very much to others. This ceremony reminds us of the Armistice of 1918 and the sacrifices paid by our veterans. It is our duty to REMEMBER them.”
A large audience gathered beside the Prattville Courthouse on Veterans Day Monday morning, many of which were friends and family of the Veterans that they were there to support.
The City of Prattville joined the American Legion Post 122 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1349 to present a wreath laying ceremony for the Veterans that attended, and those who could not attend. These Veterans that have served our country in a myriad of ways, stretching out over various time periods.
War heroes were present, representing many eras, eager to see the presentation that was going to be laid out before them.
After the singing of the national anthem, Christine Shavers with the American Legion Post 122, started the ceremony off with a well-thought-out speech – showing nothing but admiration and gratitude for the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe.
“We are deeply aware of the sacrifices made by our service members. We are equally aware of the cost of those sacrifices. We know the values that our military bestows upon us, and this is something that we cannot afford to lose to time,” Shavers said.
After giving her heartfelt speech, Commander JD Jones with the Veterans of Foreign War came to the podium and gave the Veterans in the audience a direct message.
“As Veterans we need to learn to tell our stories. We all have stories about our military service. We have to pass our knowledge and stories of our time in service to our children and grandchildren. As a veteran, there are many memories I would like to forget. But if I never talk about it, then no one can ever learn from it,” Jones said.
He left the podium with a quote from Ronald Regan, stating, “Some people live their life and wonder if they ever made a difference in the world. A Veteran does not have that concern.”
Shortly after, Mayor Gillespie, one of many public officials in attendance, shared a few words with the crowd.
“Because of the love that our Veterans show for this country, our flag is able to fly high today,” Gillespie said. “There’s so much respect here in the city of Prattville because of our Veterans, and that’s what has made me so happy to be a Prattvillian, an Alabamian, and a United States American. It’s because of what’s been sacrificed before us,and will continue to be sacrificed for many years to come – that I hope we can reflect back and realize how difficult it is for freedom to be defended.”
Following his speech, the Prattville High School JROTC moved in unison to the front of the audience for the folding of the flag. After the flag was folded 12 times and safely secured, the crowd gave out a large roar and stood in applause – and would continue to stand as Mayor Gillespie, JD Jones, Christine Shavers and Melinda King presented the wreath. This was met with moment of silence, encouraging the audience to reflect on such an important day.
Equally important as the laying of the wreath were the stories that the Veterans would tell each other as they walked around after the ceremony. One in particular caught my attention.
Jerry Blackwell, a Vietnam War veteran, didn’t shy away from talking about his experience in detail.
“I got to Vietnam on New Year’s Eve of 65’ and I left in the later part of December of 66’. I was drafted, went to military and police school, but I hardly did any of that. I ended up being put in a mortar platoon. The clearest memory that I have was from the mornings when I would go out and stand by the road that went through the first division headquarters. There was a plain truck that would come by, with army colors on it. I only later found out what it was for, and it was to carry those who had died the day before. It was going back to Saigon so their bodies could be shipped by to the United States. I was alive, and they were feet first going home,” he said.
Stories like Blackwell’s puts into perspective the trials and tribulations that many Veterans had to endure while trying to protect the United States. With his service, and the service of so many others, the United States has continued to have its freedoms protected.
If you haven’t had the chance to do so today, please find the time to thank someone you know who is or was a part of the United States military. Through their sacrifice, we are given the chance to stay safe and secure in the greatest country in the world.
Following the ceremony, everyone was invited back to Legion Post 122 for a hearty meal and visiting.
