Honoring Veteran Legacies hosts Star Spangled Social

Honoring Veteran Legacies celebrated veterans’ service with a patriotic social last Saturday, July 25.

The Star Spangled Social brought former servicemembers together for a meal, swing dancing, jazz music by In the Mood, and most importantly, fellowship.

Veterans from the Vietnam and Korean Wars as well as World War II gathered at the Madison Meeting Hall for a fun evening.

“The camaraderie of other veterans,” said Vietnam veteran Jimmy Spruill as to why he participates in Honoring Veteran Legacies. “Once you’ve been in the military you understand. It’s a camaraderie.”

Honoring Veteran Legacies was started over 5 years ago by Elaine Oakes and Chris Battle with the twofold mission of supporting veterans and preserving their legacies.

Honoring Veteran Legacies does this primarily by hosting monthly meetings that include programming, coffee and donuts, and quality time together for North Alabama veterans. The meetings are often followed by a group meal at Sunny Street Café. Last month’s meeting took veterans to the family-owned Isom’s Orchard in Athens to enjoy each other’s company, the orchard, and homemade donuts.

The organization also partners with local schools to provide educational material that honors the service of America’s veterans.

Honoring Veteran Legacies partners with the North Alabama community, including local businesses, individuals, and other non-profits to enact their mission.

The next monthly meeting will be held August 4 from 10:30am-11:30am at Hope Church in Madison. Learn more about Honoring Veteran Legacies at honoringveteranlegacies.org.