For the first year in a long time, the St. Clair County Courthouse in Pell City sat quietly on Veterans Day. A special program was always planned, sometimes including cannon blasts and gun salutes to the local veterans.

This year, the decision was made to move the celebration to the Col. Robert L. Howard Veterans Home in Pell City, enabling more veterans to be present, especially those who are are unable to be transported easily from the facility. 

Nurses from the facility brought bed and wheelchair bound veterans outside to enjoy the program. The Oxford Christian Choir sang opened the ceremony singing “Mansions of the Lord.”

Pell City City Councilman Jay Jenkins welcomed everyone. “Choosing to spend your time honoring our veterans says a lot about you,” Jenkins stated.

“There’s no better way to serve our country than the military,” Jenkins addressed the veterans in attendance. “Every one of you is a hero and on behalf of the city…I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Hiliary Hardwick, ADVA Director at Col. Robert L. Howard Veterans Home was the master of ceremonies. She stated, “We celebrate our veterans every day of the year.”

The National Anthem was sung by Derrell Morrison, who also sang “God Bless America” later in the program. Malia Thibado sang, “America.”

The Pell City High School Symphonic Band was present, playing a medley of patriotic music. 

Representative E. Richard Drake, US Air Force Chief Master Sergeant-Retired, addressed the crowd remembering the history of Veterans Day.

“Since 1776, more than 14 million men and women have served (in the military.) Nearly one million lost their lives. Veterans are our unsung heroes,” Drake said. “There are 26 million veterans alive today who are fathers, mothers, brothers, neighbors.”

At the conclusion of the Veterans Day Program, families and visitors were welcome to join Veterans in sharing a meal. Some veterans loaded buses to be transported to Birmingham, where they are a part of the historic Veterans Day Parade that has taken place downtown Birmingham for the past 68 years.