Auburn residents are encouraged to give thanks and show their support for their neighbors who have fought and are still fighting for America's freedom.
Friday, the City of Auburn will hold a ceremony at the Auburn Veterans Memorial at the intersection of Ross Street and Glenn Avenue.
Lt. Cmdr. Sam Nichols, chair of the Auburn Veterans Committee, said this event is a great opportunity for the people of Auburn to recognize and support their local veteran community and those abroad.
"The celebration will start at 10 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony to honor those who have passed on," Nichols said. "We will have a series of performances by the Drake Middle School mixed choir and a concluding number by bagpiper Dan Drummond, followed by a reception sponsored by Chick-fil-A at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce."
Allyson Petrone, choir director at Drake Middle School, said she is excited for her students to have this opportunity to perform.
"Close to 50 of my students have volunteered to participate at this event," Petrone said. "I think this is one of the most important programs we do all year.
"The students will not only get to learn patriotic music that is representative of our country, but also remind people of what our military has done and continues to do for our country."
Nichols said this year will be the first to have a keynote speaker.
"We have invited Capt. Richard Fox, U.S. Navy, who is the commanding officer of the Naval ROTC unit and a professor of naval science at the University," Nichols said. "He will deliver some remarks regarding his own experiences and his gratitude for our nation's brave military."
Phillip Dunlap, economic development director of Auburn, said the ceremony will attract people of all ages.
"Veterans and their families, including children, will be in attendance," Dunlap said. "A wide cross section of the Auburn community will be there to honor our veterans and show respect for all they have done for our country ... This is a way to show respect for those who cannot be here."
For more information, contact the Economic Development Department at 334-501-7270.
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