Atmore Area veterans from the Atmore VFW Post 7016 have worked hard to put together a Memorial Day Parade and celebration for Saturday, May 15.

Hopefully, their efforts will not be in vain, and it will be if Atmore Area citizens do not line the streets to show their patriotic honor for fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price, so all of us can enjoy the freedom we have today.

This year, the parade has been purposely planned for May 15 in order to observe both Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day and so that area school students, bands and ROTC units may participate.

The parade will form at Atmore City Hall at 9:30a.m. to depart at 10 a.m.

It will then be marched down Main Street to Heritage Park, left on Craig Street and left on Pensacola Avenue to the YMCA where a Memorial Day ceremony will be held as close to 11 a.m. as possible.

Veterans who have a feeling of honor, patriotism and pride in their military service and who can walk the distance are asked to don their uniform and march with the bands, students and ROTC units and floats. If unable to walk, hop aboard the VFW float or drive your own vehicle.

As we observe Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day 2010, let us remember not only those who have paid the supreme sacrifice in past wars and conflicts, but our American troops who are in war today on two fronts, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Remember them in your prayers as they risk their lives fighting terrorism on our behalf rather than on Main Street in Atmore.

Pass the word and let’s see if we can fill the streets of Atmore with citizens who appreciate our great country and veterans who paid the price for our freedom.

Remember, you gotta pay the price, you gotta sacrifice for your liberty.

Lee “Lavan” Martin

Atmore VFW Commander