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By John Underwood / john@gulfcoastmedia.com
ROBERTSDALE, Alabama Several events will be held in central Baldwin beginning Saturday to honor veterans for Memorial Day.
Originated as Decoration Day after the Civil War in 1868, the term Memorial Day was first used in 1882. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation naming Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace of Memorial Day and was declared the official name by Federal law in 1967.
In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday, moving Memorial day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971.
By John Underwood / john@gulfcoastmedia.com
SILVERHILL, Alabama About 60 residents turned out to honor Vietnam veterans during a special service held Monday, March 29 at the Silverhill Veterans Memorial.
The event, hosted by the Silverhill Veterans Memorial Organization, was held as part of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, created to honor veterans and their families who had served during the Vietnam War.
Created by the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act that was signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2017, March 29 commemorates the day in 1973 when the last of the U.S. combat units withdrew from South Vietnam.
“That was a little before my time so I was not around back then,” said Silverhill Mayor Jared Lyles. “But I just want to say on behalf of the city something that was not said nearly enough back then. Thank you. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your service.”
Staff report
SILVERHILL, Alabama The Silverhill Veterans Organization gave out food baskets to the needy families in the Silverhill area, one at Thanksgiving and two at Christmas.
“Our goal is to make someone s holidays a little brighter,” said SVO President Frankie Kucera. “Our plan is to make this an annual event.”
The Silverhill Veterans Organization continues to raise funds for additions to the Silverhill Veterans Memorial and provide support for the Silverhill community.
Dedicated in March of 2017 at Paul Anderon Park, across from Town Hall at the corner of Alabama 104 and County Road 55 in Silverhill, the towering structure made of polished black granite with etched artwork on both sides was designed by Paul Morris of PM Printing in Summerdale, along with metal “stationary flags” depicting all branches of the military.
Silverhill man to be honored with trip to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, West Point Ed Evans speaks at the Veterans Day program held Nov. 11 at the Veterans War Memorial in Silverhill. JOHN UNDERWOOD / STAFF PHOTOS Wednesday, December 23, 2020 11:00 am Frankie Kucera, president of the Silverhill Veterans Memorial Organization, congratulates Ed Evans, along with his daughters, Karla Dauzat and Marcia Evans, who nominated him for the award. Ed Evans in uniform.
Submitted release
SILVERHILL, Alabama A local Purple Heart recipient has been chosen to be one of the nation’s 2021 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees.
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Edward “Ed” Evans (retired) of Silverhill, a Korean War veteran, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Alabama’s representative at a multi-day tribute to honor the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded.