Growing Alabama town honors veterans, service members at community celebration
Pleasant Grove residents gathered Saturday to honor veterans and active-duty military members with equipment displays, community activities and information on resources available to those who served.
Ethan Parker 
Patriotic spirit remained high in Jefferson County this past weekend as Pleasant Grove residents gathered for a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the nation’s veterans and active-duty service members.
A Community Shows Its Respect
The Saturday event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pleasant Grove Elementary School parking lot, was sponsored by America250AL. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including food trucks, a mini car show, and an impressive display of military hardware provided by the Alabama National Guard and Air National Guard, which showcased trucks, convoys, and robotics equipment.
Honoring the Brave
Pleasant Grove Mayor Yolanda Lawson and Councilman James Wilkerson, a retired Marine, headlined the day's proceedings. The gathering included a solemn display honoring fallen, missing-in-action, and absent service members. State Senator Merika Coleman and State Representative Patrick Sellers were also in attendance to show their support.
"Being afforded this opportunity to recognize those who make such a sacrifice for our freedom and security in America is noteworthy, worthy, and it’s honorable," Councilman Wilkerson said. He expressed gratitude for the strong turnout and the Mayor’s commitment to the initiative.
Providing Essential Resources
A major focus of the event was bridging the information gap regarding veteran benefits. Mayor Lawson emphasized that the city’s primary goal is ensuring those who served can easily access the resources they have earned. Representatives from the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Pleasant Grove Department of Public Safety were on-site to provide direct guidance to attendees.
Veteran Jeffery Speigner, who served in the Navy and the Air Force, praised the city’s efforts. "A lot of those veterans don’t know about going to get all our benefits," Speigner noted. "[Councilor Wilkerson] is bringing that up, and I just like that Councilman Wilkerson is giving us all the information that we needed."
Reflecting on the success of the celebration, Wilkerson shared his pride in the community’s engagement. "To see this number brings joy," he said. "All we really care about is just a thank you to know that we are appreciated and that we are seen, and that’s sufficient."
