TOP STORY OF THE DAY, brought to you free by WICU: No governmental order needed for local people to honor the fallen

Many flags are flying at half staff in the area in honor of 13 military soldiers killed and 19 injured in Afghanistan Thursday.

Numerous businesses, organizations, and local residents lowered their flag displays to show support before President Joseph R. Biden proclaimed to do so the same day.

A suicide bomb attack at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport and an assault by gunmen at Abbey Gate killed more than 160 Afghans during the US-led military withdrawal from the country.

According to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1127 Commander Neil Brown, veterans rarely find complete closure after their service, and these types of events can be trying times. Brown explained that seeing the community support during these times is a double-edged sword for many.

The United States Flag symbolizes pride and support, but the story is much deeper for those who served their country.

“When a veteran sees a flag flying at half staff, they know what that means,” said Brown. “It’s not only about the loss of soldier in the line of duty; it’s the grief of their families, their fellow soldiers, their communities. All of their lives have been forever changed.”

Because of the events unfolding in Afghanistan, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1127 organized a town-hall-type meeting Friday, August 27, 2021, at 6 p.m. The Veterans Administration and the Mobile Vet Center Van were at the meeting to provide program information, support, and fellowship for veterans. The post is planning more meetings in the future.

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A special daily tribute from American Legion Post No. 2

The entire crowd at the American Legion Post #2, 10 North Depot Street, Brazil, stand, removes its hats each evening and perform a special toast each evening to “Honor Our Military” at 7 p.m.

On Thursday, August 26th, emotions were high as they remembered the 13 military soldiers killed and 19 injured in the attack at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport Afghanistan Thursday.

Let’s honor our military,

The men and women who serve,

Whose dedication to our country

Does not falter, halt or swerve.

Let’s respect them for their courage;

They’re ready to do what’s right

To keep America safe,

So we can sleep better at night.

Let’s support and defend our soldiers,

Whose hardships are brutal and cruel,

Whose discipline we can’t imagine,

Who follow each order and rule.

Here’s to those who choose to be warriors

And their helpers good and true;

They’re fighting for American values;

They’re fighting for me and you.

With glasses in the air, the crowd says:

To Those Went,

To Those Who Are There Still,

To Those Who Have Returned,

To Those Who Never Will.