When you drive downtown Selma for the next few weeks, you’ll notice Old Glory prominently displayed along Broad Street.
The project to put the flags up was spearheaded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3016 and the city of Selma and its citizens.
VFW member Aaron Roper said that for a long time no flags were displayed in downtown Selma. But VFW commander Dennis Doherty decided to take on the project of displaying the Stars and Stripes “to make sure that we displayed the patriotism leading up to holidays that are associated with veterans, like Memorial Day, Veterans Day and the Fourth of July.”
Doherty said the VFW businesses and local citizens donated flags to support the project. He said he will post the names of all who donated flags and helped with the project on the VFW Post 3016 Facebook page.
Roper added that the VFW worked with the Planning and Development office, the City Council and Alabama Power to make this happen. Permission had to be granted to the VFW to put up the flags. An agreement was reached on the length of time they will be up, which will be through the Fourth of July.
A week before Veteran’s Day, the flags will be put back on Broad Street and stay up for two weeks, according to Doherty.
Roper reported that they need about $1,000 more to cover the project. He said each flag costs about $50, and anyone who would like to help can contact the VFW Tuesday through Friday between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. at 334-874-9277.
Doherty thanked John Hatfield and interim Fire Chief Franklin Edwards for providing a truck to get the flags put up. He also thanked Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum for helping with the project.
“Putting the flags up is one thing, but commissioning a flag once it’s on the pole is something else,” Roper said. He explained that each flag must be properly made and inspected to ensure it is correct. Then it has to be shown proper respect.
Doherty said each flag was commissioned by saluting it once it was put up.
Roper and Doherty on behalf of VFW Post 3016 extended an invitation to all veterans, their families and the local and surrounding communities to attend and participate in the Memorial Day Ceremony. This event is scheduled for May 27 at 10 a.m. outside Memorial Stadium, next to the eternal flame.
Guest speaker will feature Sgt. Major Monica Walker, Alabama’s senior enlisted policy and plans sergeant major from Alabama Joint Forces Headquarters. Walker is a highly decorated military leader with multiple deployments to Iraq. Her accolades include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Order of Mercury, among others. She will bring her distinguished perspective to the commemoration, honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.
Roper said, “This Memorial Day, Selma stands united in honoring its heroes, reflecting a profound respect for the past and a commitment to the future. The ceremony will be a poignant reminder of the bravery and dedication of our service members.”
After the ceremony, all attendees are invited to a small reception at the VFW Post at 299 Kings Bend Road.
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military.
Local Boy Scouts will also honor veterans. Boy Scout leader Leith Wilson said that at Memorial Stadium, the local Boy Scouts will have their Field of Flags. “We did this for Veteran’s Day back in November in honor of veterans, local first responders and other local hometown heroes,” Wilson said.
The flags of the Field of Flags are sponsored in honor of someone by individuals and businesses. The funds from that are used to help some of our local scouts go to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
Wilson said these flags will be on display at Memorial Stadium from Memorial Day through the Fourth of July. Anyone can sponsor a flag. To do so, call Wilson at 334-419-0667 or email at cranebsa@gmail.com.
He said it would be best if sponsorships are in by Saturday May 25. However, he said he will take sponsorships later if necessary.
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