PRICEVILLE, Ala. — Veterans Day is celebrated across North Alabama and around the United States of America. Priceville played host to Morgan County's Veterans Day celebrations this year.
"We just got to take part in an election here this last week. Without our veterans, we wouldn't be able to do that," said Priceville Mayor and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Sam Heflin.
The holiday is a chance for the community to remember the people who died for our freedoms. "It's a great gathering to honor a lot of our fallen guys, which I had a bunch of in Vietnam," said U.S. Army Veteran Paul Bartlett. "This gathering means a lot to everyone in the community, as you can see the turnout, that that brings a lot of respect for the veterans," said U.S. Army Veteran Michael Ross.
Heflin said this years event saw a really good turnout. He said, "That's one of the things I love about my town is that they remember their veterans." Ross said, "Every year it seems like we have more and more people who show up and understanding why Veterans Day is so important."
Bartlett talks about being lucky to live in a community with lots of people who served our country. He said, "I met a neighbor of mine, I had no idea he was a Vietnam vet. He lives just down the street from me."
Bartlett's wife is now in a rest home, but he wants to be supportive of other veterans who may not have family at their disposal. "I took it upon myself to go around and meet veterans in the rest home and talk with them and hold their hand because some might not get anybody to come and visit with them."
People say it's a great feeling to see people come out and support veterans, both those who are still here and those who aren't. "You don't ever want to forget the guys that gave the ultimate price and the ones that are still here with us," said Heflin.