Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home honors veterans
Published 5:00 pm Thursday, November 14, 2013
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Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home honored vets at the 2013 Veterans Day program Monday morning. The crowd filled with those who have served their country as the program provided entertainment and words to thank all who have made the sacrifices required to preserve the country’s freedoms.
The event included a variety of musical performances including patriotic music sung by Steve Shaffer, the National Anthem sung by Teresa Carden and Some Gave All performed by talented eight year old, Malisa Thibado. Also included in the program was a reading of Flanders Fields by Thomas Millar Senior Vice Commander, Harold Spangenberg Post 4758.
Bill Hereford, senior circuit judge and former mayor of Pell City was also in attendance. Hereford spoke on Veterans Court. He said the Veterans Court was established for those veterans who struggled to readjust to civilian lifestyle. This system was created in Buffalo, New York as a way to do more than just sympathize with veterans. Hereford said this program works with vets to keep their nonviolent offenses off record so they can receive help and readjust to living in a post-service environment. Hereford applauded Pell City and St. Clair County for all it does for veterans.
With programs like Military Assistance Personal Support (MAPS) and the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home, St. Clair is making huge strives to take care of the veterans that return home. Hereford ended with a sincere thanks to all veterans.
Guest speaker, Alvin Morrow Quartermaster, Harold Spangenberg Post 4758, also offered thanks.
“Today we want to thank not only those who are here today but those who have served throughout our country.” Morrow said it was an honor to spend the day with his fellow comrades and family celebrating the men and women who answered a call to serve.
Service and thanks rang through the ceremony even as the Colors were retired and Taps was performed. Lakeside Hospice provided lunch for all, and the veterans home extended thanks to the families who kept the home fires burning while a loved one served in harms way and, of course, to veterans who have served their country.
