Veterans, families invited to attend annual Veterans Day Program at Bevill

HAMILTON — Designed to honor veterans from all across Marion County, as well as surrounding areas, one of North Alabama’s nicest events is the Marion County Veterans Day Program held at the Bevill Business and Community Center in Hamilton each year.
This will mark the fifth year for the special program, which is open to all veterans, their families and their friends.
Set for the day after Veterans Day, which is Thursday, Nov. 12, the event begins at 9 a.m., with a casual meet-and-greet, coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls, so veterans can visit before the program begins at 9:45.
After colors are posted by the Marine Corps Color Guard of Bessemer and other opening matters are addressed, service songs are played over the speakers for every branch of the military, with veterans in attendance standing and being recognized while their specific branch anthem plays.
Around 10 a.m., Hamilton Mayor Tami Williams will speak, followed by guest of honor, retired Marine Colonel David Couvillon of Louisiana.
Also during the program, a special veteran with ties to the area will be recognized, although the honor is usually a surprise for them and their families and is not announced beforehand.
A buffet lunch is then served, with veterans asked to visit the buffet line first, followed by guests. Bevill State Ambassadors will be in attendance to fill and deliver plates to the tables for any veterans who wish them to do so.
Shortly before noon, in the closing ceremony, Taps will be played in tribute to service men and women who have passed on. After contributors are recognized, the colors will be retired, and those still in attendance will be invited to gather for an annual group photo to appear at a later date in the Journal-Record.

‘Top class event’
The annual program is organized by Marion County Veterans Service Officer Marlon Holloway to be a “top class event” for those who attend.
“This is the largest event in our area, and it’s held each year to honor our veterans who served our country, those on the home front and the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
Besides allowing veterans to connect with other veterans, services for veterans are also promoted, with some vendors present with booths and ADVA representatives also on hand to receive contact information for veterans and answer questions or reach back out to them concerning benefits.

Sponsors
The main sponsors for the program are Bevill State, the City of Hamilton and the Marion County Commission, with contributions also provided by Alabama Power, Tombigbee Electric Cooperative and S&H Building Supply. The main meal will be catered by Bennett’s Burgers.
The program will be broadcast on Facebook and YouTube, so veterans who are unable to attend the event can watch it live or later. Search both venues for “Marion County TV News & Events” and the Marion County Veterans Day Program. Last year’s event is still viewable, as well.
The program will also be broadcast live remotely from the event on radio station WFMH-FM, “The Big 95.5” of Hackleburg.
The Bevill Business & Community Center is located on the campus of Bevill State Community College-Hamilton at 1481 Military Street South, Hamilton, AL 35570. For more information, Holloway can be contacted at 205-921-3161.