Veterans honored in Silverhill

By John Underwood / john@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 11/15/17

SILVERHILL, Alabama — Silverhill hosted its first Veterans Day service on Saturday at the new Veterans War Memorial in Anderson Park, across from Town Hall at the corner of Alabama 104 and County …

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Veterans honored in Silverhill

Posted

SILVERHILL, Alabama — Silverhill hosted its first Veterans Day service on Saturday at the new Veterans War Memorial in Anderson Park, across from Town Hall at the corner of Alabama 104 and County Road 55.

The memorial, which honors all veterans of every branch of military service in all wars, was dedicated on March 18. A planned Memorial Day service in May was moved to the Little Bohemian Hall because of rain.

But sunny skies greeted veterans and the more than 100 spectators for Saturday’s service, which was organized by Silverhill residents Lamar Giles and Frankie Kucera.

“This is what this memorial is here for,” Kucera said. “One thing I want to do before I leave this earth is to put another memorial on this spot with all the names of all the veterans from Silverhill who have served our country.”

Funds to have the memorial built were raised through donations from throughout the area, primarily with the Gear Jammers Car Club’s annual Memorial Car Show which is held every year on Memorial Day weekend, generally the last Saturday in May.

“That is how we’re going to raise the money for this new memorial,” Kucera said.

After taking a year off with the car show, the car club plans to return to Silverhill on Saturday, May 26 of next year, and proceeds from the show will go to placing the new memorial.

Remembering the fallen from Silverhill was part of Saturday’s ceremony at the memorial, along with the raising and lowering of the American flag to half-staff by veterans representing every branch of service, including Kucera, Bill Coley, Charles Collins, Tommy Moss and Lew Rice. Joel Sterling served as bugler during the flag raising and played Taps as the flag was lowered to half staff.

Silverhill native, veteran and Purple Heart recipient Talmadge Cain was the guest speaker for the service. Several members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 2206 were present at the service.

The Rev. Timothy Smith provided the opening prayer and the Rev. John Sterling offered the closing prayer. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Angie Hewett and the National Anthem was led by Tonya Sterling. Angie Hewett also assisted in remembering the Silverhill fallen as bell-ringer.

Tyler York was honored as the youngest veteran present. Ralph Utter was honored as the oldest veteran present.