HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – More than 100 community leaders came out Nov. 1 to support local veterans and thank all those who defended the nation while serving in the military.

Col. Biji T. John, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command G6 deputy chief of staff, spoke at the 18th Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the Center for excellence in education from North Alabama in the atrium of Redstone Federal Credit Union in Huntsville.

John said NACEE has the privilege of teaching veterans, but he bet the relationship goes both ways and added there is much to learn from veterans in the community.

“Our veterans represent a legacy that we can only strive to uphold,” John said. “How we treat them is truly a mark of the morality of a nation, of its decency, of the goodness of its people. Our nation has endured many threats and will face many more, and the courage, resilience, and ingenuity of our fighters have been essential to protecting our homeland and resisting tyranny.

“It is because of their unique and individual contributions that we enjoy the peace and freedom we know today,” he added. “Despite this, their sacrifices remind us that these freedoms come at a high cost, which cannot be forgotten or overlooked. Veterans, you deserve our deepest gratitude for your service. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to make America and the world a better place. »

John said he appreciates the support the Huntsville community offers active duty Soldiers and the entire Army team, including veterans, Gold Star families and current military families .

“In the military, soldiers are soldiers for life,” John said. “Your time as a member of the Army family, our One Team, does not end, whether you leave the service early or retire, it is a title you will retain forever. All around us, even in this room today, there are “Soldiers for Life” who support the Army team formally and informally through their many activities. Most importantly, they maintain the strong relationships they built during their service, encouraging these individuals to “be all they can be” and, as a result, make the Army, the nation, and the world best. These principles also apply to former sailors, airmen, marines, guardsmen and coast guards.

Lt. Col. Early Howard Jr., director of the ROTC department and professor of military science at Alabama A&M University, said it is always an honor and privilege to speak and support veterans who have defended the nation .

“Being here is a great experience,” Howard said. “Today means a lot to me personally because I am the son of a Vietnam War veteran.”

He said paying tribute and honoring these heroes meant a lot to him.

“My father served in Vietnam, and he came back to a lot of hostility and not a very warm welcome,” he added. “But to see an event like this and being a current active duty military member and one day being a veteran, it means a lot to have the opportunity to be here to see this happen.”

Retired sergeant. Maj. Bobby Langford said it’s important to recognize veterans for their service. He added that being a veteran is about the friendships and bonds that are formed through the various services and dedication veterans show to something greater than themselves.

“An event like this is the greatest thing that could happen,” said Langford, a Vietnam War veteran who served 30 years in the Army. “Veterans often do not receive the respect they deserve. Having everyone here to support us is one of the greatest things I have ever seen.