SUMITON — Hundreds of community members turned out for “A Celebration of God and Country,” a tribute to area veterans at the Sumiton Senior Center Tuesday night.
Local members of the police and fire departments as well as area veterans gathered together to celebrate Veterans Day.
During the ceremony, a presentation of colors was given by Scout Troop 120.
After a reception dinner, veterans were called by name and stood before the standing room only audience.
“It’s an honor to be here tonight,” said Sumiton Mayor Petey Ellis. “We honor all you Veterans and I want to make an apology that it has taken us this long to make plans for a Veterans Memorial, but we hope that what we do will honor the sacrific that has been made.”
Bill Fowler, member of the Sumiton Area Veterans Memorial Board and a Sumiton City Council member, thanked the veterans and their families for their participation in the event.
“We anticipated a good group, but we have far exceeded our expectations,” Fowler said. “We appreciate everyone coming out tonight and also appreciate the Veterans for making our freedom possible.”
Also during the ceremony, an unveiling of blueprints for the new Sumiton Veterans Memorial Monument was given by Richard Bradley of Laser Works of Alabama.
According to Bradley, a new walkway will be made in front of the senior center leading to the monument.
The monument will be 10 feet long and be 5-feet, 8-inches tall. The front of the monument will contain the six seals of the branches of the military. The back of the monument will list the names of local soldiers who were lost during the wars.
Around the monument will lay 550 granite bricks that families may purchase to honor a loved one who served in the military.
The granite pavers are being sold for $100 each and can hold 20 characters per line.For more information about purchasing a paver, contact Sumiton City Hall at 648-3261.
Click here for photos of the event.