Special Events
Dedication of the Veterans Living Legacy Memorial
The Alabama Veterans Living Legacy" Interim Briefing Report, January 10, 2008.
Dedication of the Veterans Living Legacy Memorial a the American Village that will be
adjacent to the new National Veterans Cemetery. The ceremony at the flags are on the hill
marking the beginning of the Future Veterans Freedom Trail.
L-R Senator Tom Butler, Mrs. Eugene Sledge, Rachel Clinkscale,
Congressman Spencer Bachus, and Marynell Winslow
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Wreaths Across America
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Alabama's Blue Star Salute Foundation joined Governor Riley's "Operation Greatful Heart" in conducting the State participation in the 2007 "Wreaths Across America" program on 10 December. This program was introduced by the Worchester Wreath Company of Maine as a national campaign to Remember, Honor, and Teach. The Adjutant General (MG) Abner C. Blalock and RADM Clyde Marsh, USN (Ret) Commissioner, Department of Veterans Affairs presented the Worchester Wreath for Alabama.
"Capitol Sounds" musical entourage provided the musical salute. Wendy Garner performed a special rendition of the National Anthem.
Following the wreath laying ceremony, the wreath was placed upstairs with the permanent Fallen Comrades Memorial in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the Capitol Building.
Raymond Weeks Memorial
Except for photos 1,12,26, and 28, all photos in this album
courtesy Karie Mitchell Photography
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November 10, 2007: Blue Star Salute Foundation teamed up with Birmingham's National Veterans Day Committee and the "Patriotism in Action" Committee of Dyson Institute to create and dedicate a 60th Anniversary Memorial Plaque in honor of The Honorable Raymond Weeks and America's First National Veterans Day observance of 11 November 1947.
US Congressman Spencer Bachus; American Legion's National Commander Marty Conatser; National Veterans Day Committee President Bill Voigt; National Veterans Award Honoree H.C. "Barney" Barnum, Jr.; Barbara Weeks Minor and Brenda Weeks Parker (daughters of Veterans Day Founder Raymond Weeks); and a host of National Veterans Organization's representatives
celebrate the history of National Veterans Day in Birmingham.
Following the 5PM dedication in Linn Park in downtown Birmingham, the assembly joined the Distinguished Guests Reception and the National Veterans Award Banquet in the adjacent Boutwell Municipal Auditorium.
Program for the Raymond Weeks Memorial Event.
Eric Arrowood, Vincent Army JROTC, Command Sergeant Major, and a member
of the JROTC proudly displays a Blue Star Banner on November 2, 2007
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2 Nov 2007 - Blue Star Salute Foundation joined Shelby County Alabama High School football fans of Vincent and Montevallo Schools and the Shelby County Commission; Legislative Delegation; Alabama Sports Festival; and the Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness in recognizing family members of former students of each of the schools who are presently serving America in the War Against Terrorism worldwide.
Bill & Pat Wyatt presented Blue Star Banners to each of the families who were simultaneously presented "Liberty Bell Medals" on behalf of Governor Bob Riley.
The high schools bands and the Army JROTC unit of Vincent HS participated in the ceremonies.
DEPL0YMENT CEREMONY CHARLIE COMPANY 1ST BN, 167TH
INFANTRY, (MECH), CAMP SHELBY, MISSISSIPPI
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BSSF President Byron White presents the Blue Star Flag, which vividly proclaims that "We Salute Those Who Serve" to Company Commander CPT Eric Hare and Ms. Rhonda Rusk, Family Assistance Coordinator while the assembled Infrantrymen look on. |
Blue Star Salute to Soldiers of the Historic 167th Infantry Regiment (4th Ala Regt)
Over 150 years ago the lineage of Alabama’s 167th Infantry Regiment began when in May 1861 the 4th Regiment of Alabama Infantry was mustered into Civil War service and served for almost four years…the Battle of Monassas…and, Sharpesburg, and a total of 17 major campaigns.
In 1897 the militia became the Alabama National Guard and many served on the Mexican border as guards; in 1916, ordered to active duty in WW-I and assigned to the 42nd Infantry (Rainbow) Division, where the 167th was in direct combat for an amazing 164 consecutive days; in WW-II again called to active duty and served to capture the Pacific island of Moratai from Japanese occupation; during the Korean War, again the 167th was mobilized to provide replacements to deploying units.
Now, the 167th Infantry continues to serve as “Defenders of Freedom” in the War Against Terror.
Some 195 members of CHARLIE Company, 1st Battalion, 167th Infantry held their deployment ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi on 20 Sep 2007. Now these Infantrymen are off to a year of duty in Iraq.
Blue Star Salute Foundation joined Alabama’s National Guard Leaders and scores of CHARLIE Company’s family members and loved ones in a grand “deployment ceremony”.
May God Bless and Protect These Brave Soldiers and Bring Each and Every One Safely
Home to Their Loved Ones.
Ceremony to award the Silver Star Medal
to the family of PFC Jonathan Millican
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Ceremony to award the Silver Star Medal to the family of PFC Jonathan Millican, July 28, 2007 in Locust Fork, AL
Sponsored by Congressman Spencer Bachus and the Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc. |
LTC Alton C. Rockett - Air Force Pilot was
shot down over Vietnam 40 years ago.
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LTC Alton C. Rockett, an Air Force Pilot was shot down over Vietnam 40 years ago. He was buried in Arlington on Monday August the 20th.
Paul Sims, member of BSSFI had been wearing an MIA bracelet with LTC Rockett's name on it for the past 40 years. His wife Virginia Rockett and daughter Craig Ann, invited Paul to come to the funeral.
Glenn Nivens,also a Vietman veteran went with Paul.
The bracelet was buried with LTC Rockett. |
BSSFI leaders present the Blue Star Salute Flag and Banner
to Family Assistance Center Manager Clayton Maddox.
October 23, 2007 at the Fort McClellan, AL National Guard Training Center, BSSFI leaders present the Blue Star Salute Flag and Banner to Family Assistance Center Manager Clayton Maddox.
The Blue Star Salute Foundation pledges to work coorperatively with the Assistance Center in paying proper honor and respect to Alabama Guard Soldiers who are deployed in the worldwide War Against Terrorism and welcomes waiting family members of overseas soldiers to share in Alabama's "Salute" events.
Shown L-R Glenn Nivens, John Walker, Clayton Maddox, Paul Sims, and Bill Wyatt. |
