American Legion, VFW members gather to remember fallen heroes in Prattville
PRATTVILLE, Ala. (WAKA) — Members of American Legion Post 122 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1349 gathered Monday in Prattville for an annual Memorial Day observance honoring service members who lost their lives while serving the country.
The ceremony recognized fallen heroes from past wars and included tributes to prisoners of war and those missing in action through a symbolic remembrance table display.
Attendees also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony before observing a moment of silence during the playing of taps.
“They’re able to enjoy those freedoms at the sacrifice of military members who gave their life so that they can enjoy their barbecues, family time, their day off from work,” said Charles Marsh, Commander of the American Legion Post 122. “All of those things came at a tremendous price.”
Gladys Leonard, the third division Vice Commander, served as the guest speaker during the ceremony, emphasizing the role of the military in protecting freedom.
“Let us remember that without a U.S. military, the world would be a far more oppressive and darker place,” Leonard said. “Let us remember that freedom has no greater friend than the American soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, Coast Guardsman and Space Force guardian.”
As part of the observance, courthouse flags were flown at half-staff in honor of the nation’s fallen service members.
