MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — On Monday, hundreds of Alabamians lined the streets of Montgomery to cheer for those who have served the United States in a special Veterans Day parade.
The sound of drums and the marching of soldiers rang through the streets Monday with some groups throwing candy while others performed to show their support for veterans.
MSG. Kenneth Gray, an Army veteran, said the procession meant a lot to him.
“Veterans Day means a lot. [It] just lets you know that your city and your state- they come out and support you for your service you did,” Gray said. “You’re being recognized- so it means a lot to the veterans to know you’re appreciated.”
Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, said it’s important to honor veterans through taking action.
“Supporting policies that help with housing, mental healthcare, with medical healthcare services- all of those are really important as a way to always honor our veterans,” Ensler said.
A presentation of the United States Colors followed the parade at a ceremony in Riverwalk Stadium. Songs from every branch of the Armed Forces were also played.
Col. Shamekia Toliver, Commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base, said veterans have given much to defend the United States.
“It is specifically the Constitution of the United States of America. And all of us have taken an oath that says ‘I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States’. And so, that is what I reflect upon when I think about our nation’s veterans and what it means to serve,” Toliver said.
Toliver went on to say that all military veterans should be welcomed yearround, rather than just one day a year.
“All of our nation’s veterans- at one time or another- have been in an uncomfortable situation where they have been serving in an area that is unfamiliar to them,” she said. “And so, welcoming us in your community and letting us be apart of the community with which we serve- is truly important.”
Toliver said the legacy of our veterans is all about their service to the U.S.
