Prattville Establishes Military Appreciation Week with Community Proclamation Ceremony

By Heather Knight

Elmore Autauga News

Tuesday morning, a gathering of military personnel, local government officials, Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce representatives, and community members convened at the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce to inaugurate Military Appreciation Week. The event began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a respectful and patriotic tone for the proceedings. This initiative, recognizing the vital contributions of service members, will take place from November 11th to November 15th in the city and from November 10th to the 16th in Autauga County.

The ceremony included remarks from Prattville Chamber representatives David Lewis and Joe Matthis, Mayor Bill Gillespie, County Commissioner Jay Thompson, Chief Master Sergeant Winings, and Colonel Whittaker. In his opening comments, Joe Matthis expressed gratitude for the small yet impactful percentage of Americans who choose to serve in the armed forces. “Only about 7% of Americans participate in the military. We are grateful for each one of those and the ones before them,” said Matthis.

Following these remarks, Mayor Bill Gillespie signed the city’s proclamation, officially marking November 11th through the 15th as Military Appreciation Week in Prattville. “Thank you to the ones that have served, do serve, and will serve,” said Mayor Gillespie. “We are so thankful for our relationship with our military. We are the community we are today because of you. We have many members that are sent here and decide to stay.”

Representing Autauga County, Commission Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Jay Thompson signed the county’s proclamation, declaring November 10th through the 16th as Military Appreciation Week. “This military appreciation week proclamation from the county is a symbol of our unity with all branches of the military,” Thompson said, highlighting the county’s commitment to supporting service members and their families.

Chief Master Sergeant Winings, who was also recognized during the event, emphasized the importance of community support. “This is my second time at Maxwell, and I know that while I’m taking care of the base and others’ necessary needs, I know they are taken care of by these communities,” said Winings, underscoring the bond between the military and Prattville.

Colonel Whittaker, another honored speaker, paid tribute to the citizen Airmen of the reserve. “Without our citizen Airmen, we couldn’t do what we do. They may serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year, but they give way more than that,” said Whittaker. She concluded by expressing her pride in America’s military, saying, “We are the greatest force in the world, and that’s because of these supportive communities.”

Prattville’s Military Appreciation Week stands as a heartfelt acknowledgment of the dedication, sacrifice, and resilience of service members in the Tri-County area and beyond. With the strong support of local leadership and citizens, Prattville and Autauga County proudly recognize those who serve and protect the nation.