By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D) from Selma and Congressman Spencer Bachus (R) from Vestavia introduced a resolution to recognize the good work that the Birmingham Veterans Day Commemorations play each year.
The resolution cites Birmingham as “home to the first and longest-running national celebration of Veterans Day.” National Veterans Day in Birmingham is now in its 66th year of paying tribute to the many veterans who have served and sacrificed to protect America’s freedoms in America’s many wars and conflicts.
The observance includes: a parade through downtown Birmingham and the presentation of the National Veteran Award, which this year will go to the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.
Congresswoman Sewell said,
“Birmingham’s history of celebrating and honoring our nation’s brave service men and women is a tradition we are proud of. I am honored to introduce this resolution with Congressman Bachus in order to rightfully recognize Birmingham for its instrumental contributions to the establishment of National Veterans Day, the National Veterans Award, and the World Peace Luncheon. Birmingham’s steadfast recognition and celebration of our nation’s veterans serves as a compelling reminder of the role we all have in honoring those who defend and protect our democracy.”
Congressman Bachus said,
“Birmingham has a long and proud history of honoring our esteemed veterans and truly is a role model for communities throughout our nation. It is my hope that our resolution will bring national attention to our continuing need to pay gratitude to those who have given their service, and even given their lives, to preserve the freedoms that we all are privileged to have as Americans. Our Veterans Day celebration in Birmingham is a tradition that we must cherish and support.”
The resolution cites the role that World War II veteran Raymond Weeks of Birmingham played in organizing the local celebration and advocating the creation of a National Veterans Day to General and later President Dwight Eisenhower.
President Ronald Reagan said that Raymond Weeks was the “driving force” behind Veterans Day when presenting him with a Presidential Citation Medal at the White House in 1982.
Veterans Day will be celebrated on Monday, November 11.
Congressman Bachus represents Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District which includes much of Jefferson County. Congresswoman Terri A Sewell represents Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District including a large portion of Jefferson County.
Bachus has announced that he will not run for re-election in 2014.
