By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— When Alabama Hockey faced the Naval Academy Feb. 6 at the Pelham Civic Complex, American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 and Pelham Youth Hockey Association marked the occasion by hosting Military Appreciation Night.

The tradition of Post 555’s involvement in Military Appreciation Night during an Alabama Hockey game began last year when the SEC Commissioner of hockey reached out to Post 555.

Post 555 coordinated a special opening ceremony utilizing Pelham and Calera high school students, and all veterans and active military were given free admission, recognized for their service and given medallions.

“It’s a two-way street,” said Post 555 Commander Barry Blount. “Their participation lets us know that our efforts to recognize our love for our fellow brothers and sisters (is appreciated), because it’s not for us. We just want to make sure no one has forgotten them and the sacrifices they’ve made.”

When guests arrived, they had the opportunity to peruse American Legion’s display, featuring a POW/MIA table, an American flag and flags for the five existing branches of the military.

“We just want to take time to recognize our military,” said First Vice Commander Kenneth Paschal. “Sometimes we forget to do that or we don’t do it enough. We just want to recognize our military, those who have served and those who are still serving.”

Calera High School Navy JROTC presented colors while Pelham High School choir sang the National Anthem before the game.

Exchange Club of Shelby County members distributed American flags to all military personnel, the David Lindsay Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented certificates of appreciation and the Bessemer Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol cadets and Boy Scouts helped pass out appreciation bags.

This is the first of many American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 events of the year, supporting the military and community. Post 555 member Ron Koonce said this military night is becoming one of the Post’s main events.

“It’s just a pat on the back, (saying) we appreciate your service,” he said.

For more information on American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555, visit Alpost555.com.