Selma Veterans Day ceremony honors military service, sacrifices of veterans and families

Veterans, civic leaders, students and community members gathered Wednesday at Memorial Stadium in Selma to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military during the annual Veterans Day Celebration hosted by American Legion Post 20.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark King delivered the keynote address, reminding those in attendance that the freedoms Americans enjoy come at a cost and urging continued support for veterans and their families.

“Our freedom is not free,” King said. “It's been paid for. There's a price to be paid, and the thing you need to remember is it's going to have to be paid for.”

King said Veterans Day is not simply an occasion to recognize military service but an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served.

“Veterans Day isn't really for veterans,” he said. “We already know, we don't need to be reminded of what we can never forget. Veterans don't need to be reminded. The rest of America needs to be reminded.”

King also addressed the challenges many veterans face after leaving military service, including mental health struggles and suicide. He urged communities to do more to support former service members.

“We need to help these servicemen and do more for them,” he said.

King encouraged Americans to honor veterans through gratitude, civic responsibility and support for military families.

“Be thankful for the veterans and their families,” King said. “Teach your children gratitude and respect for them.”

During his address, King explained that Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I, before being renamed in 1954 to recognize all military veterans. He also explained the distinction between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

“Don't confuse it with Memorial Day,” King said. “That's the last Monday in May, and it honors veterans who died while serving.”

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Retired U.S. Army veteran Jonathan Brown served as master of ceremonies for the annual observance, which featured patriotic music, military tributes and a wreath-laying ceremony.

“I am happy to see so many of you here today as we honor our veterans on this day that Congress has set aside for this purpose,” Brown said.

Brown opened the program with a history of the American flag and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” recounting how Francis Scott Key was inspired by the sight of the flag flying over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.

The ceremony included the presentation of colors by the Southside High School Air Force Junior ROTC and musical performances by the combined choirs of Selma High School and R.B. Hudson High School.

Brown recognized veterans representing each branch of the military, including the nation's newest branch, the U.S. Space Force.

“It's a real thing,” Brown said while acknowledging Space Force veterans in attendance.

Local elected officials attending the ceremony included Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III, Valley Grande Mayor John Hatfield, Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum and Dallas County Circuit Clerk Lenithia Bennett.

Bennett also performed “America the Beautiful” during the observance.

A wreath-laying ceremony paid tribute to those who served, including veterans who have died. American Legion Post 20 Commander David Cox joined representatives of neighboring veterans organizations, local schools, Junior ROTC programs from Selma and Southside High and student leadership groups in placing wreaths in their honor.

Cox and Post 20 Adjutant Mark Boswell organized the annual celebration, bringing together veterans and younger generations to recognize military service and preserve the tradition of honoring those who have defended the country.

The ceremony concluded with a prayer for the nation, its military members and veterans.