Events planned all across St. Clair County
Story by Cherith Fluker
Submitted photos
As Veterans Day approaches, St. Clair County is preparing to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Across St. Clair County, flags flying, special tributes, events and exhibits will express gratitude to the veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect the country’s freedoms.
This year, the Museum of Pell City will host its annual Salute to Service event. “Salute to Service promises to be a heartfelt and meaningful experience for all who attend,” said Museum President Carol Pappas.
The event, set for Nov. 8, had its beginnings in 2023 with an expanded military exhibit at the museum, approximately three times the size of the regular exhibit. This special tribute highlighted the history and contributions of veterans, and the museum premiered a short film it produced, War and Remembrance, which featured local veterans of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War.
“It was our very first outreach project, and over 100 attended the first day followed by others throughout the month of November.
This year, Salute to Service will include a reception and special presentations to honor the veterans in attendance, says Pappas. Each veteran will receive a special challenge coin as a token of appreciation for their service.
Expanded exhibits include more in-depth looks at some of Pell City’s “hometown heroes” and photographs, artifacts and other items of interest.
The museum is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is always free.
St. Clair County Extension Veterans Outreach will host its Veterans Program is slated on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Springville Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This program will feature tributes in honor of all who served. Highlights include a proclamation from Dave Thomas, mayor of Springville; a Veterans’ Appreciation speech by Greg Bailey, U.S. Air Force Veteran; musical performances by the Something Else Trio and Springville High School Tiger Chorale; and the 13 Folds Ceremony.
It also will include the Run for the Wall Presentation by Chuck Wright, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and the Missing Man Table Presentation by Wayne Johnson, U.S. Air Force veteran.
Greg Bailey, administrator of Outreach Programs for the St. Clair County office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, is partnering with the Josiah Brunson Chapter, National Society Daughter of the American Revolution, for the Springville event.
“This program is the least we can do for our servicemen who have done so much for us,” Bailey says. “Our office is focused on ensuring veterans are aware of the resources available to them. “
In addition to the Veterans Day program, Bailey and his team are also partnering with local schools and community organizations to honor and celebrate veterans across the county.
Throughout the month of November, cities and towns across St. Clair County will also honor veterans in various ways. Flags will be flying high in public spaces, special banners will be displayed along main streets, and communities will participate in events that pay tribute to those who have served. These collective efforts create a powerful visual reminder of the respect and gratitude the county holds for its veterans.
All of these events are open to the public and free to attend, but registration is required. Those interested in attending the Salute to Service reception event may register on the Museum of Pell City’s website, museumofpellcity.org.
The event at Springville Methodist Church is free as well, but attendees are asked to RVSP by calling the St. Clair County Alabama Cooperative Extension System at (205) 338-9416.
“Veterans form the very foundation of all of our communities across our country,” Pappas said. “Their history is what our history is built upon, and we truly thank them for their service.”
