SPANISH FORT, Ala—Veterans Day was a day for many to celebrate who have friends or family who have served, or are serving, in the armed forces.

Tuesday meant a little more to the friends and family of the late Sgt. Ernest Ivy “Boots” Thomas Jr.

Thomas served in World War II when he was 20, according to a news release.  A dedication ceremony was held in his honor Tuesday,.

The new Sgt. Ernest Ivy “Boots” Thomas Jr. Park is located in Spanish Fort in the new I-10 Commerce Center off Old Highway 31 nestled on a cul-de-sac with flags, a commemorative plaque and will comprise 10 to 12 acres of nature trails in Thomas’ honor, the release said.

On Feb. 24, 1945, the marine rifle platoon   leader led his men in an assault at the base of 556-foot Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima. Enemy forces were overtaken by Thomas and his men when they reached the summit and raised the first American flag on Mount Suribachi, the release said.

Thomas was killed in action a few days later, the release said.

Thomas, a Tampa, Fla., native helped guard the American flag from the Japanese and helped save many American lives when he helped move United States bombers closer to Japan, the release said.

Many developers who helped made the park possible were also at the dedication.

Developers chose to honor the hero and will name the main street in the I-10 Commerce Center Sgt. “Boots” Thomas Drive.

Thomas was awarded the Navy Cross for “Extraordinary Heroism” and the “Fearless Leadership” award for his efforts, the release said.

The Rev. Pierre Burns performed the opening prayer for the ceremony, followed by the U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Stephen Taylor and color guard who raised the flag.

 “I dedicate to all veterans this day,” Claudene Nichols, co-owner and broker of Prudential Nichols Real Estate, said to open the ceremony.

“We are thrilled to death about this,” Nichols said. “This just seemed like the perfect spot.”

Nichols said for many years she saw unrealized plans for a park in Daphne, and so she really wanted to make this happen.

Prudential Nichols Real Estate will also have Operation Freedom Calls again this year.

The event gives military men and women who are overseas fighting for the country to have a free 30-minute video phone call.

The bases available for the video phone call are Camp Taji, Camp Fallujah, Camp Taqaddum, Al Asad Airbase and Camp Victory all in Irag. In Kuwait the base at Camp Arifjan will be available for the video phone call.

The event will start at 8 a.m. Dec. 21 in the Daphne office of Prudential Nichols Real Estate. The time for the event’s conclusion is unknown at this time.

For more information contact the office at 626-2030.