By Cathy Higgins
BAY MINETTE, Alabama
— Downtown Bay Minette was the place to be Friday if north Baldwin County residents wanted embrace the meaning of Veteran’s Day, as a variety of successive events honored those who served in the nation’s armed forces.
The day kicked off with a breakfast at John F. Rhodes Civic Center presented by the Bay Minette Fire Department, in which approximately 80 veterans listened to the words of fellow military man, Mordecai Arnold of Daphne.
In his address, the retired Marine pointed out that a veteran can be any age or come from any background.
“You don’t have to be an 87-year-old cocker like me to be a veteran,” Arnold said.
To illustrate his point, the veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars gave North Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce’s executive director as an example.
“Margo Allen is a veteran,” Arnold said, imploring those present to express appreciation to those they might not have considered to have served in the military.
His additional comments included a description of what today’s service men and women go through.
“People serving today are volunteers who want to serve,” Arnold said, explaining the drive behind that desire. “When the planes hit the tower on 9/11, people woke up and began paying attention.”
He added that today’s military service is vastly different from his own experience.
“We didn’t have to do four tours of duty, or more,” Arnold said.
His other points included the sacrifices of military families and life after service for veterans.
Following the breakfast, additional Veteran’s Day activities included a parade circling Courthouse Square, ceremony at the Courthouse Eternal Flame, dedication ceremony at the Korean War Memorial dedication and ceremony at the William F. Greene Veteran’s Home.
