Community first responders, veterans honored during Appreciation Day ceremony

By Jessica Vaughn
Posted 10/28/21

FOLEY - Local first responders and veterans were honored during an appreciation day ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 23. The event was hosted by the Baldwin County Chapter #531 of National Sojourners, and …

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Community first responders, veterans honored during Appreciation Day ceremony

Posted

FOLEY - Local first responders and veterans were honored during an appreciation day ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 23. The event was hosted by the Baldwin County Chapter #531 of National Sojourners, and took place at the Heritage Park gazebo in Foley. This is only the second time the National Sojourners have hosted this event after Congress declared Oct. 28 National First Responders Day in June 2019.

“The defense of American patriotism and support of first responders and military veterans who sacrifice and put their lives on the line daily to serve our communities is what we honor here today,” said Cornelius O’Brien, president of the Baldwin County Chapter of National Sojourners. “Today we recognize and honor you as patriots, our true heroes, as you serve to keep us safe and enforce the rule of law. You truly reflect our nation’s values of honor, courage and sacrifice, and we would like to thank you all for being a neighbor to us in our time of need.”

The event was attended by law enforcement officers, veterans, elected officials and community members. Representatives from multiple municipalities were present, and the Sojourners hope to continue to grow the event. Each first responder present was given time to introduce themselves and speak about their service, and received a Masonic Veterans pin. Gift bags were donated by 3 Circle Church, and a free lunch was prepared by members of the Order of the Eastern Star.

“When you talk about first responders, that is an all-encompassing term,” said Baldwin County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack. “I’ve always said it doesn’t matter the shape of the badge or the star, the color of the brass on the collar, the color of the uniform, we all are the same people, and those are people that go to the fight. Those are the people that go to the danger. Those are the people that respond when nobody else will.”

During the event, the flag was presented by Foley Boy Scout Troop 77. A moment of silence was held for those who have lost their lives during their time in service as either a first responder or a member of the military. Donations were accepted for the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Foundation, which helps support all first responders in need.

“This program is something that needs to be done every year,” said Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich. “We rely on our first responders every day. As with what happened on 9/11, when everybody was running from the buildings, first responders run to the buildings. Whether you are police or fire or medical responders, that’s something that we rely on as a civilization here in this country every day, and without them, we would really be in trouble.”

“The whole purpose of this gathering is to tell our first responders and veterans how much we appreciate them and how much we love them,” said Fred Steiner, vice president of the Baldwin County Chapter of National Sojourners. “I can’t think of any job more dangerous than a first responder. They’re right in the middle of it, and all you have to do is remember 20 years ago when you saw that tower coming down, you saw these guys in blue running to it. They weren’t running away from danger, they were running to danger. Why do they do it? They have a commitment to our community, they’re job is to protect and serve and that’s what they do, and they take it very seriously. They lay their life on the line every day.”