PHOTOS: Tuscaloosa Veterans Day Ceremony 2021
Hundreds gathered Thursday morning in Veterans Memorial Park to honor military service members who have served this country.
Representatives from the Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park Association, Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, and the University of Alabama Office of Veteran and Military Affairs spoke on behalf of the service members in all branches of the United States military, speaking to their bravery and their resilience.
For nearly a century, the country has recognized Veterans Day on the anniversary of the armistice that ended the fighting on the Western Front in World War 1. This year also commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the creation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
The program's keynote speaker, Jasper, Alabama native Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston, commended his fellow service members, and advocated for more awareness of the struggles veterans face coming back home, while highlighting everything Tuscaloosa is doing to make sure their services are not forgotten.
"Veterans Day is a day and time to remember all those who have served passed and present," Grinston said. "Our all volunteer army is a credit to Americans of all races, creeds and genders. Our common commitment to defense and love of our country binds us together and unifies us. That goes to the heart of what it means to be an American.
"As a nation, we must ensure that the service and sacrifice of our veterans is never overlooked and never forgotten," Grinston continued. "This US now has the largest population of veterans since the Vietnam War. We owe it to these men and women to make sure they transition from active duty careers with skills and experience to find meaningful employment."
In case you missed it, take a look at the events of Tuscaloosa 2021 Veterans Day ceremony, held at Veterans Memorial Park.
PHOTOS: Tuscaloosa Veterans Day Program 2021
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