Word From The Mayors

AUBURN

Thanking a veteran for their service should never be reserved for one or two days out of the year. The sacrifices each member of the U.S. military have made deserve year-round appreciation. Yet, I truly cherish days like [Veterans Day] when the world seems to stop, setting aside a special time to join in unison to celebrate our veterans and what they’ve done for each of us. Today, I join with many from the city of Auburn to remember the bravery of the men and women who responded to the call. We remember the courage they showed in defense of our freedoms. We remember those lost in the line of duty, and we remember the struggles many have faced as they return home from war. This Veterans Day, I encourage each of us to seek out the veterans in our lives — whether a family member or someone we encounter at the store — and thank them for the contribution they’ve made to our great nation. And to all of our veterans, I personally thank you for your dedication. We salute you today and every day.

With gratitude,

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders Jr.

Dear veterans,

I’ve never been deployed, nor have I worn the uniform. And I don’t know what it is like to fight for my freedom. I have no idea what you have experienced — your greatest fears, bravery and your survival.

They say ignorance is bliss. But I am aware that I know nothing of what you know. I am more than appreciative for the sacrifices you have made to defend our nation and protect our freedoms and dayto-day privileges that are so often taken for granted. We encourage our community to honor our military members each and every day.

We invite you to the city of Opelika’s Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 at the Opelika Public Library located at 1100 Glenn St. The breakfast for veterans and their families will begin at 9 a.m., the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and there will be a reception to follow at the Museum of East Alabama.

This year more than ever before, I say thank you to our past, present and future veterans for your service. Sincerely, Mayor Gary Fuller

OPELIKA

S M I T H S S T A T I O N

Dear readers,

It is hard to believe that Veterans Day has come once again.

My family, along with millions of others, have members that have gone on to serve their country and put their lives in harm’s way to protect our country’s most sacred freedoms and privileges. That realization makes Veterans Day one of the most humbling days of the year each year that it comes.

As you flip through the pages of this special publication, please look at their faces and think of the sacrifices and struggles they went through, putting you, your family and friends, your neighbors and your country before themselves. Without these special men and women, America would not be the place it is today. May God bless our veterans and may God bless the United States of America!

Mayor F. L. “Bubba” Copeland