'Don't take our freedom for granted': Tuscaloosa holds Veterans Day ceremony

Veterans Day provides a vital opportunity to thank veterans for the sacrifices they made on behalf of the country and remember how their contributions have helped us all, Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Rob Robertson said Friday.

"It's just so important that we remember and we continue to teach and learn about what's happened before us. And there's people that are still here that can tell us firsthand what they experienced. I would encourage everyone to have a conversation with a veteran, and just don't take our freedom for granted," Robertson said during the annual Veterans Day ceremony.

Dozens of Tuscaloosa residents gathered Friday morning to honor those who served in the military. This year's program was held at Magnolia Shelter in Snow Hinton Park, instead of its traditional location at Veterans Memorial Park in front of University Mall, because of light rain.

The ceremony included guest speakers Duane Lamb, chairman of Veterans Memorial Park Association who is also a retired Army colonel, John Merkle, director of the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center who is a retired lieutenant colonel, and David Blair, director of the UA Veteran and Military Affairs who is a retired Army sergeant major.

The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra Horn Quartet performed the national anthem and student cadets from Hillcrest High School's JROTC presented the colors.

Robertson, who by virtue of being probate judge also serves as the chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Commission, delivered the ceremony's keynote address.

As a veteran himself, Robertson said it was an honor to be invited to speak at the ceremony.

Robertson was enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and was attached to HG Battery, 4/14 Marines in Bessemer, which was a field artillery unit at that time. He also served as a fire directional control man and spent most of his time leading a land survey team, obtaining the rank of sergeant.

During the ceremony, community leaders discussed the importance of making sure that veterans have access to alll available health services, especially mental health programs.

"Mental health is a growing issue for all parts of our community, but the veterans especially have some additional stresses that have been put on them, and scars that we can see and some that we can't from some of the conflicts that they've engaged in," Robertson said.

"We also have an aging population of older veterans that are seeing age-related issues. So the behavioral health part of this is a growing need and I just would like everybody to be aware and help advocate for improving those services so we can make sure they're well taken care of," he said.

Merkle, the director of the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, said that commemorating Veterans Day provides a reminder that caring for veterans is a duty that belongs to everyone.

"Veterans Day is also something more ... it is a call of action, or a reminder that it is our sacred responsibility as Americans on Veterans Day and every day to serve veterans as they have served our country," Merkle said.

Merkle said although suicide cases have slightly declined among veterans recently, suicide prevention remains the center's top priority.

"The majority of those (veterans) who die from suicide never received any VA care. And that's where we need your help. We must work together as a community to prevent suicide," he said.

Merkel said he wants everyone to be aware of the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, suicide prevention network of more than 200 crisis centers that provides 24-hour, seven days a week service via a toll-free hotline. Those in need of help can dial 988, while veterans can dial 988 and press 1.

The Veterans Day ceremony was organized by the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority’s Veterans Memorial Park Association, in conjunction with the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center and the University of Alabama Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.

Earlier Friday morning, the city of Northport held its inaugural Veterans Day, with a parade down Main Avenue that included the American Christian Academy marching band, fire trucks, military vehicles and more.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tuscaloosa Veterans Day ceremony honors all who served in military