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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Memorial Day in Chilton County is a special time to remember those in our community who selflessly gave their lives, some many decades ago, so we can enjoy our freedoms nowadays. Each year, veterans in Chilton County put on a moving Memorial Day ceremony at the Chilton County courthouse to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to the citizens of the United States of America.

“It is special because we do not want anyone to forget … Forget these people who fought for this county, died for this country and gave their life for this country,” Mike Hall, Chilton County American Legion Post 216 Commander, said. “A lot of people do not realize what the military does for this country … Back then a lot of them were not volunteers, but they still went and made the ultimate sacrifice so generations to come would have the freedom they believed in.”

The veterans shape their ceremony around the 106 names that are etched into the stones at the Chilton County Veterans Memorial monument near the front steps of the courthouse. One-hundred and six names of Chilton County residents lost at war — 30 in World War I, 53 in World War II, 10 in Korea, 11 in southeast Asia and one each in Lebanon and Iraq.

“My heart hurts for them, for their families,” Hall said. “My heart aches for them knowing they gave their life so that my family and myself can still live in freedom. When I am reading the names off, me being in the retired military, I think about the friends that I lost also while serving. It touches my heart, really.”

Following a riveting memorial speech by United States Army Master Sgt. Latriese Alexander, each name was read aloud by members of American Legion Posts 216 and 343 — Nick Burnett, Mike Hall, Dwight Swindle and Ocie Williams, one at a time, slowly.

Each year, a wreath is laid at the monument to honor the 106 fallen heroes, and each year one of the veterans is recognized. This year, Army Pvt. Porter M. Plier, who was killed at just 21 years old in World War I, was honored and had his great nieces Renee Nickolson and April Teel lay the wreath at the memorial monument.

Remembering these veterans, especially those killed in action defending our freedoms, is important every day much less on Memorial Day. Each Memorial Day, be encouraged to show your gratitude and remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice before you.