By SCOTT MIMS / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO—People who served in the U.S. Armed Forces throughout the wars and conflicts of history, living or dead, deserve the utmost respect.

To that end, a program titled “Legacy of Heroes” will be held at the Alabama National Cemetery on Alabama Highway 119 on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m.

The program will honor all veterans of America’s wars from World War I forward through stories of heroes from each war who are interred at ALNC, a wreath laying and a musical tribute to veterans of World War I through the Vietnam War.

“One of my goals has been to make sure everyone remembers the heroes buried in that cemetery, particularly the younger generation, that they remember, appreciate and know the price of freedom,” said Pam Nichols, chairman of the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization whose mission is to remember those interred at ALNC and provide support for their families.

2019 is a significant year as it marks the 100^th anniversary of the Treaty of Versailles at the end of World War I, the 75^th anniversary of D Day and the ongoing commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

“Since there were so many significant anniversaries, we decided to put together a program that honors all veterans from all wars from World War I forward,” Nichols said, adding that two World War I veterans are interred at ALNC.

The program will begin with prelude music and a flyover, followed by welcome remarks and an introduction from Nichols. The stories of heroes from each war, amongst other duties, will be performed by Junior ROTC members from Vincent, Calera and Thompson high schools. The musical tribute will take place following the stories from Vietnam, and the program will conclude with a rifle salute and the playing of “Taps.” Wreath layers will consist primarily of family members of veterans.

There are many other volunteers participating in the event, too numerous to mention.

The program is open to the public, especially veterans, their family members and friends. Those who wish to honor a deceased veteran are encouraged to bring a photo to raise and stand in their honor.