Events Celebrate Veterans Day
Veterans Day is Friday, Nov. 11, this year, and area organizations are planning a variety of events to celebrate the annual holiday.
The Alabama Veterans Memorial will host its Veterans Tribute with a series of events Nov. 6.
Beginning at 1:30 p.m., veterans will talk with guests about their military experiences at the Walk and Talk with History. Veterans will be stationed at the end of the trail in the Memorial Plaza Columns until 2:30 p.m.
From 2 to 2:30 p.m., a Stepstone Ceremony will be held in the American Flag Plaza. All stepstones purchased by Oct. 1 will be placed under the American flag during this time.
At the Flag Retirement Ceremony from 2:30 to 2:45 p.m. in the Memorial Plaza, representatives from the American Legion will demonstrate the proper procedure for the retirement of the American flag.
The tribute will end with the Patriotic Ceremony honoring all veterans at 3 p.m. in the Memorial Plaza.
The Alabama Veterans Memorial is off I-459 at the Liberty Parkway exit. For more information, visit www.alabamaveterans.org.
The 64th annual National Veterans Day observance in Birmingham will be Nov. 9-11.
Birmingham is home to America’s first Veterans Day celebration. The tradition continues with six events over three days.
Personal Leadership for Patriots will be held Nov. 9 at 5:45 p.m. at Boutwell Auditorium.
Two Nov. 10 events include a 64th anniversary commemoration at Linn Park at 5 p.m. and the National Veterans Awards Dinner at the Sheraton Birmingham at 7 p.m.
The celebration ends with three other events Nov. 11. At 9 a.m., a memorial service will be held at Cathedral Church of the Advent followed by a World Peace Luncheon at the Sheraton Birmingham at 11 a.m. The National Veterans Day Parade in downtown Birmingham begins at 1:30 p.m.
For tickets for the banquet and luncheon or parade entry applications, call Jim Holt at 942-5300.
Vestavia Hills Central Elementary School is planning a special program Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. to honor veterans.
The school invites veterans to attend. Active duty military members are requested to come in uniform.
Veterans who want to participate should email [email protected] by Nov. 1.
In honor of Veterans Day, the Birmingham Zoo will offer free admission Nov. 11-13 to all active and retired members of the military and their dependents.
Valid military identification must be provided.
For more information, visit www.birminghamzoo.com.