“Duty, Honor, Country”: Preserving Tradition and Legacy

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TUSCUMBIA-In the words of General Douglas McArthur upon receiving the Sylvanus Thayler Award in 1962, “These three hallowed words dictate what you ought to be, what you can be and what you will be. They are one’s rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.”

Just like the postman, where neither rain, snow, sleet nor hail will deter delivery of the U.S. mail, Tuscumbia’s American Legion Post 31 Color Guard comprising Veterans of the Korean War, World War II, Vietnam,  Gulf War and other military campaigns remain on call 24/7 ready to provide full military honors for our veterans at their bereaved family’s request. On any given day of the week when the Color Guard has been called to assemble and provide military honors for either a fallen Veteran, participate in a parade, post the Colors at national holidays or other institutional events, you may witness the Color Guard’s dozen or so members responding to the call in their khaki uniforms and white belts loading the ceremonial essentials comprising flags, rifles and bugle into the Post’s newly acquired van.

The fifteen passenger vehicle was a fund raising initiative spearheaded by Tommy Hogland and Jeff Zak. Donations and in-kind contributions came from the commercial, private and public sectors, faith based institutions and media, along with numerous anonymous supporters in appreciation of Post 31’s commitment to preserve the legacy, history and tradition of “Duty,” “Honor” and “Country.” The recognition of our fallen Veterans also serves to educate present and future generations of the past and continued sacrifices required to protect our nation’s freedom.

With deepest appreciation of the community’s recognition of Post 31’s commitment to honor our veterans, their families and community, the American Legion Colbert County Memorial Post 31 Commander, Charlie Grimmitt, Color Guard members and Executive Committee thank the community for their contributions resulting in the van’s purchase from Long-Lewis of Muscle Shoals and the patriotic red, white and blue wrapping completed by Flying Horse Graphics of Florence, Alabama. Though community contributions are too numerous to acknowledge individually, American Legion Post 31 gratefully appreciate the donations of all for this valuable asset.

The Color Guard’s honor services and other activities range from 60 to 80 events a year, generally covering Colbert, Franklin and occasionally, Lauderdale Counties.

For those who may be interested in either joining Post 31’s Color Guard or may want to become a member of the Post we meet every third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Post meeting hall located at 110 ½ N. Main Street, Tuscumbia, AL. You are invited to join us for dinner and to fellowship with other Veterans.

For more information, please call (256) 577-6968 or (256) 762-4206.

Media Release/Post 31 Color Guard member, Thomas McKnight

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