PELHAM – American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 gathered on Sunday, Nov. 11, to host its annual Veterans Day Program at Texas Roadhouse.

Members of the post, area veterans, friends, family and Texas Roadhouse employees gathered in the restaurant’s parking lot, located on Drivers Way, for the event. Sisters Taylor, Layla and Erin Kinion, of Helena, sang the national anthem, Thompson High School’s Junior ROTC presented the colors and Cody Monday, a Pelham High School student and member of the Sons of the American Legion, played Taps on his trumpet.

During the ceremony, Post 555 recognized the veterans in attendance and explained the significance of the prisoners of war/missing in action table that was on display at the ceremony. The table is set in memory of fallen, missing or imprisoned military service-members. A moment of silence was then held for the fallen and those still missing.

The Fallen Soldiers table was also displayed inside Texas Roadhouse on Nov. 11.

After the ceremony, veterans enjoyed a free meal courtesy of Texas Roadhouse. Beginning at 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, the restaurant offered free lunch to veterans and active duty military.

Veterans Day also marked the end of the restaurant’s efforts to raise money for Post 555 through its Collection Card fundraiser. The donations will go toward gift cards that will be distributed in gift bags by Post 555 to veterans during Military Appreciation Night at an Alabama Hockey game in February 2019.

Post 555 member Kenneth Paschal said the fundraiser is a way to continue to show support for veterans even after Veterans Day.

The relationship between Post 555 and Texas Roadhouse stretches back to before the post was created. In 2012, the restaurant held a fundraiser to benefit Matthew Blount, the post’s namesake, who was battling cancer. The fundraiser generated thousands of dollars to help cover Matthew Blount’s medical expenses.