Tallassee Now! - Veterans | News

                Tallassee loves veterans!  It always has.  Mayor Bobby Payne provided leadership in establishing Veterans Park near the old elementary school that he converted to City Hall.  The Vietnam Wall Replica is proudly presented in front of City Hall, with an appropriate flag display. 

                One of the great and memorable photographs of Tallassee is the World War II victory celebration, with thousands of people in front of the Mill.  Tallassee has made a significant contribution to national defense, and to every war effort all the way back to the Civil War.   The products of the Mill have always been significant material.  Today, GKN manufactures parts for helicopters and airplanes that are important to national defense.

                Veterans Day is an important national holiday, dating back to World War I.  Veterans Day is celebrated in our schools, and recognized by our leadership.  And it is appropriate.  We must never forget those brave people, living and dead, who served in our armed services to protect and defend our freedom, our rights, and our way of life.  They were willing to sacrifice all.  Many did.

                The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is an organization that serves our veterans and much more.  It is much more than a place for social gathering.  Together with the Ladies Auxiliary, it supports vital programs for the community, such as Relay for Life, Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warriors, the Tallassee Now! annual BBQ, The Learning Tree, and others.  Nationally, it lobbies to protect the rights and benefits of veterans.

                The Veterans Day celebration in Tallassee will be at the Senior Center on Friday, November 9, and will honor veterans from World War II.  On Memorial Day, the VFW Wreaths Across America program undertakes to place a wreath on the graves of veterans—in addition to Memorial Day services.  Every year in Tallassee there is a flag retirement ceremony for Flag Day.  Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the VFW always provides a special lunch and entertainment for Veterans from the Nursing Facility in Tuskegee.  There are always special events for the Fourth of July.  There are recognition events for Armed Services Day.

                The VFW supports the schools, and the next generation.  It contributed a bench to the new courtyard at the High School.  It sponsors essay contests that focus on patriotism and our national heritage.  It sponsors scholarships. 

                The VFW supports our community, and especially the people in our community who have served and sacrificed to protect our rights.  On Saturday, they are providing another special service for our community:  they are sponsoring a Tallassee Tailgate event.  They will use the proceeds to assist their community efforts.

                The Tallassee Tailgate event on Saturday, November 10th  gives the community an opportunity to recognize veterans and the VFW in a special way.  Come out to the corner of Ann and Barnett, and buy Briskets, Boston Butts, Ribs, Camp Stew, and Sandwiches.  Celebrate our heritage, and build community!  Meet the leadership of an important community organization!

Information Source: Tallassee Chamber of Commerce