Under rainy skies, Bay Minette residents gathered indoors Monday to pay tribute to the community's veterans, as the annual ceremony adapted to the elements with heartfelt resilience.

Hosted by the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, this year's event celebrated the sacrifices of local servicemembers with a breakfast, a solemn ceremony and the recognition of Eugene Overstreet as the parade's grand marshal.

The day's events began at the John F. Rhodes Civic Center, where veterans and their families shared a morning meal. Maury Weeks, president of the William F. Green State Veterans Home, delivered a keynote address that highlighted the enduring commitment of the nation's servicemembers. Due to inclement weather, however, the traditional parade had to be canceled, though its spirit remained alive in the stories shared and the honors bestowed.

Overstreet was a focal point of the morning's tribute. A Bay Minette native, he served in the U.S. Army's 52nd 198th unit and was deployed to Vietnam. His service was marked by courage and sacrifice; on Feb. 1, 1970, he sustained serious injuries and underwent a months-long recovery journey across military hospitals in Vietnam, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., ultimately earning him a Purple Heart and several commendations. Known in Bay Minette as a restaurant owner since the 1980s, Overstreet is also a proud father and grandfather.

Following the breakfast, attendees turned their attention to a ceremony honoring members of the B Battery of the 711th AAA Gun Battalion, a local unit that served in the Korean War. Originally planned for the memorial at the Bay Minette Public Library, the ceremony moved indoors but preserved its solemn traditions. Gerald Davidson led the tribute, supported by the Bay Minette Fire Department, Mayor Bob Wills and the Baldwin County High School Jr. ROTC.

The service included a roll call, conducted by Kay Corley, whose father, Tiny Hall, served in the battalion. As the names of each of the 138th Battalion members were called, a bell tolled to honor those who have passed, including four remaining veterans who were represented by Davidson. A flag presentation to the family of Raymond Melton, a member of the battalion who passed this year, underscored the community's deep respect for these veterans.

To close out the ceremony, Davidson reflected on the bravery of the battalion members who left Bay Minette to serve their country. Some returned home with physical wounds, others with emotional scars, yet all were united by their dedication to service. Their legacy endures at the Bay Minette Public Library, where a memorial, funded by their efforts, now stands engraved with the names of those who served — and those who never returned.