By Sarah Stephens
Elmore/Autauga News
Top Photo: Dale Bain, Elmore County School Board member, and Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley place a wreath in honor of Veterans.
On Thursday, rainy weather forced the Millbrook Veterans Appreciation event indoors to the Civic Center, but it did nothing to dampen a patriotic spirit.
Other events, such as a Burger Burn and outdoor concert, had to be canceled.
The Appreciation Event was hosted by the City of Millbrook and the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce at the Millbrook Civic Center Thursday afternoon. Much appreciation to the planning crew, including Danae Morgan, who had to scramble and formulate a new plan due to the weather.
Master of Ceremonies Carol Bowman welcomed the guests. She is a Chamber Ambassador, the wife of a Veteran, and works with Lucretia Cauthen Realty.
Bowman welcomed the guests and veterans, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Stanhope Elmore High JROTC.
Wesley Morris, band director at SEHS, sang the National Anthem as the colors were presented.
The invocation was led by WWII Veteran and Retired Rev. DD Bain, who is a young 101-years -old. He is the father of Dale Bain, who serves the Millbrook area on the Elmore County School Board.
From the Georgia Military Hall of Fame – Dolas David Bain (VALOR)
During World War II, Army Medic and Private, later Technician Fifth Grade, Dolas David Bain of the 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor. He was recognized for his undaunted and heroic action on the night of 16 and 17 July 1944 near Henully, France. At great personal risk, in total darkness and under a constant barrage of enemy artillery and small arms fire, he led a team of litter bearers through swampy terrain. This daring action made it possible to provide urgent medical care, then evacuate a large number of severely wounded American Infantrymen. Additionally, he was able to evacuate others that had been killed in action. During this arduous extraction operation, he continually provided aid and comfort which resulted in saving the lives of some that might otherwise have succumbed to their wounds. This action was just one of many selfless acts of his bravery during this extremely difficult time of intense combat in the European Theater of Operations.
At the Millbrook Appreciation event, DD Bain was introduced by his son, Dale Bain, who said, “He is my hero. He turned 101 on the 25th of October. He is still getting around. It is such an honor to have him. He has quite a story.”
Last Saturday Bain took his father to Georgia, as he was being inducted into the Military Hall of Fame. DD Bain was among 15 other veterans inducted that day, but he was the only WWII Veteran recognized at the event.
As DD Bain took the podium, he had some words before he began the prayer.
“I just want to thank you for the privilege to be with you. I feel you have something good in mind, something worthwhile for many people. Not long ago I witnessed a film where man was easily destroyed. And you couldn’t believe, looking at the film, that it ever happened to the United States of America. I was called with many others to take a stand for our liberty. And I am privileged to have a country like we had and I think we have today. There is much to be thankful for from a heavenly Father that loves us all, and wants us to enjoy it.”
He then led a beautiful prayer, in strong voice, for the people of America, and that they may continue to come together as one people, and be willing to stand to protect liberty.
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley and Dale Bain then placed a Wreath and held a moment of silence in honor of all Veterans.
As Mayor Kelley took the podium, he said, “Before I do anything, I want to ask for a round of applause for this young man right here (referring to DD Bain). We appreciate you and your service. I want to welcome everyone. The weather kind of messed things up today. Everybody had a lot of activities planned, but we will make it up to you.”
Kelley thanked everyone for working through challenges to keep the event intact. He thanked all Veterans who have served and are still serving. “With veterans, you usually see a pattern. Even after their military career is over, you will still see them in communities continuing to serve. They go on to be first responders, engineers….all walks of life. But they still serve in various capacities. We are proud of our veterans and appreciate their service in the military and their continued service in their communities.”
Bowman then returned to the podium and asked all veterans and their families to stand for recognition, which generated great applause. See More Photos below.
