Cullma Times | Veterans honored in large turnout at park

Veterans honored in large turnout at park
By Benjamin Bullard | The Cullman Times | November 6, 2011

CULLMAN — Hundreds of people from all walks of life came to Cullman’s George Mann Park at Sportsman Lake Saturday for a pre-Veterans Day ceremony that elicited patriotic affection and respect for local veterans.

Under blue skies and breeze-stiffened flags that provided an appropriate visual backdrop for the occasion, local leaders, legislators and Congressman Robert Aderholt took turns behind the microphone, sharing stories and anecdotes that highlighted the significance of military service.

It’s a real honor for me to be here with you this morning. I changed my schedule so that I could be here. It’s good to be with George Mann here at the George Mann Veterans Park this morning — this is a beautiful facility and I know that Cullman’s proud of it and our state is proud of it.

“I know you hear a lot of people who say ‘thank you’ from time to time, but on behalf of the United States House of Representatives, and the United States Congress, let me let you know how much the members of Congress ... are pleased for your service,” said Aderholt. “...[t]his is one member of Congress you [veterans] won’t have to lobby, and you can count on my support.”

Aderholt, who sat onstage alongside the park’s namesake, two-time purple heart honoree George Mann, presented the park with a commemorative American flag that has previously been flown over the U.S. capitol.

Sen. Paul Bussman related episodes from his own life that illustrated his appreciation, from an early age, of the personal sacrifices many soldiers willingly make to play a role in the defense of American freedoms and ideals.

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