By Sarah Stephens
Elmore/Autauga News
However you plan to spend your Memorial Day weekend, take a moment to remember the real reason. Unlike Veterans Day, which is to honor all military members who served, Memorial Day is quite different, and a bit more somber. It is set aside to remember those in the military who died in service to their country.
Also remember, that Memorial Day is historically a weekend of travel, time on waterways, barbecues and family gatherings. Stay safe, sober and focused and make it to your destination safely.
Area law enforcement agencies will be out patrolling streets, highways and on the lakes and rivers. Do not drink and drive, or operate a vessel, or you may pay the consequences. Below are a few of the events we are aware of in our area. If you know of any we have missed, please email information to editorsarah@yahoo.com.
Memorial Day Weekend Events –
Millbrook – American Legion Post 133 members and associates will be out Saturday, visiting area cemeteries and placing flags at burial sites of fallen veterans.
This is an annual tribute by the Post. They will meet at the Post at 8 a.m. and if you are out driving in the Millbrook area, you could see groups on the road as they visit multiple locations over the next few hours. Thank you American Legion Post 133 for remembering those who gave all.
Prattville: Beginning Sunday, 2,021 Poppies will be on display in downtown Prattville in honor of Memorial Day.
On Sunday, May 30th at 7:30 p.m., a volunteer from Bugles Across America will play Taps followed by the illumination of a flying American Flag projected on the historic Daniel Pratt Gin Shop factory that is currently under conversion into loft apartments. The projection of the American flag, along with images of the 2021 honorees and significant events throughout US Military History will be displayed between sundown and midnight every night of the exhibition, which closes June 5, 2021. “It is our hope that those who come and view this art exhibit, regardless of the time of day, will truly feel the spirit of what was given for the cause of freedom,” Julianne Hansen says. The event is sponsored by Julianne Hansen Fine Art & Pottery in cooperation with Pratt Mill Properties.
For more information:
https://alabamapoppyproject.com
Event Overview:
Dates: May 30 – June 5, 2021
Location: Court Street – Historic Downtown Prattville, Alabama (Heritage Park)
Associated events:
Ribbon Placement: Sunday May 30, 2021 from 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
TAPS: Sunday, May 30, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
Exhibit Admission: Free
Prattville – On Monday, the City of Prattville is hosting a Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Autauga County Courthouse. They join the American Legion Post 122 and the community for this annual event.
Mayor Bill Gillespie will say a few words at the event honoring our nation’s service members who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
The City of Prattville will fly all flags at half-staff from sunrise until noon. This unique custom honors the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country for the morning. At noon, their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all. The event is open to the public.
Wetumpka – The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4572 in Wetumpka will host their Memorial Day Ceremony on May 31st at 11 a.m. at the Post located at 100 Otter Track Road. The event will feature a guest speaker and the regular appearance from Boy Scout Troop 51.
Before their service, an 8-foot granite monument will be revealed at the site, dedicated to fallen United States military members. The public is encouraged to attend the events Monday.
