Story By: Kelly Garrett
The City of Montevallo celebrated veterans a little differently this year.
Montevallo Main Street commissioned large banners to be put throughout the city on power poles to decorate for the patriotic holiday. These banners were different than their traditional purple and gold banners though, it featured pictures of service men and women from Montevallo.
The banners featured pictures of war heroes with their name, ranking in the military, their branch, and the number of years served.
The banners honored veterans all the way from 1917 to 2009.
The service men and women on the banners represented all five branches of the military.
The banners were purchased by family members of the veterans in honor of their service to the country and Montevallo. Family members were pleased with the opportunity to remember their heroes who have since passed away.
“It’s a great way to honor my dad and the other veterans this way. He would have been 99-years-old this year and they didn’t always get this type of recognition,” said Steve Willingham, son of the late Private First Class James E. Willingham.
Many living veterans are featured on the banners as well. It helps them to feel proud that many of their neighbors served alongside them in many different capacities.
“Theres a nice representation of the community members for serving our country,” Dr. Jim Day, U.S. Army Major.
These banners will be used for at least three years at all patriotic holidays including Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.
If you would like to purchase a banner for your veteran follow this link for more details from the city.
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