Carol Varner is a dedicated commander for the Disabled American Veterans group. Her and other DAV affiliates hosted the Memorial Day ceremony at the St. Clair County Courthouse in Pell City. What is typically an outdoor event was being held inside a courtroom due to rainy weather but pews were full of patriots, veterans and families during the ceremony.

The event commenced in a traditional way by firing replica cannons then saying the Pledge of Allegiance. After that the “Star-spangled Banner” was sung by Mahlia Alzyat. Mayor Bill Pruitt participated back to back for Memorial Day. When he was called to the podium, he gave his speech saying, “The one thing that we have to remember is that all the things we enjoy and all the things that make it so wonderful to live in the United States, everything that we have is because of the sacrifices of those who are not able to be here today.”

Other guest speakers like Bill Church, who Varner said has served St.Clair County in every way (serving as St.Clair County Attorney, City Attorney, Pell City School Board Attorney and St.Clair County Board of Education Attorney) spoke about what the holiday meant to him.  

“We as Americans have the privilege of living in the greatest nation that has ever existed on the face of the earth,” Church said. “There are no words that I have to pay our gratitude to those who have died in defense of this freedom but being here today, we are doing what we can. We’re saying to those brave men and women whose lives were cut short out of sacrificial service to defend this nation, thank you. Though inadequate as it may be, that’s all that we have to offer for their ultimate sacrifice.”  

When it was Varner’s chance to speak again, she explained what the Honor Guard was and how they currently down in numbers this year.

“The Honor Guard for St.Clair County is made up of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 27 here in Pell City, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6652 out of Ragland, the Veterans of Foreign 4758 from Pell City and the American Legion Post out of Pell City,” said Varner. “Because we are having a challenge with our Honor Guard, we always welcome those that would like to participate. We would love to have you. But we are kind of like our soldiers from WW2; we’re getting thin and old. Thin in numbers and old in age. So we have less and less members of the honor guard this year.”

After the ceremony, Varner expounded on the obstacles facing the honor Guard. “All of our WW2 veterans are gone, and now many of our Vietnam veterans are gone. So we’re just down to a handful of people who can volunteer to help do this.”

Every year the VFW, American Legion and the DAV of Pell City would alternate hosting the ceremony. Varner stepped up when other groups lacked the resources. “This is too important to let this fail, we must remember our county veterans. I’ve been doing this for three or four years.”

In short, The DAV stepped forward to prevent the ceremony from dying out. Varner is a survivor from the Pentagon during 9/11. She has served 30 years in the Army.

VFW commander Hurbert D. Stapler, Jr. said it takes a lot of coordination to get a ceremony together. “We plan this thing year around. Tomorrow, we will start planning the next one. Truth is, the VFW in Pell City is lacking manpower. But the VFW is still active in the community. They do funerals for veterans. We do the three-volley salute and fold the flags for families. Ninety-nine percent of our money that we get every year goes to local veterans here in the community. All our labor is free and we assist all veterans with their claims. The DAV is the same way.”

If any veterans need help contact commander Stapler at 205-317-6500 or contact Commander Varner at 205-410-9092