American Legion Post 31 honors veterans in annual program
American Legion Post 31 in Tuscumbia hosted its annual Veterans Day parade and courthouse program to honor those who have served and continue to serve our country’s armed forces on Nov. 11.
This year’s guest speaker was Lt. Col. (Ret.) John-Michael (J.M.) Insetta, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who served in the United States Army.
District Judge Chad Smith introduced Insetta as a “great American hero, a fantastic leader and an even better friend.”
Insetta retired from the Army in 2023 and now works in a managerial role at Constellium.
Lt. Col. (Ret.) John-Michael Insetta was this year’s guest speaker.
“When Francis Scott Key wrote the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ in 1814, he called America the ‘land of the free, and the home of the brave.’ These words are as true today as they were then,” Insetta said.
“Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. On Nov. 11, 1918, at 11 a.m., the armistice between the Allies and Germany came into effect, ending the war.”
Armistice Day was made a federal holiday in 1938, but it was later changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all those who serve or have served the American military.
“Through this nation’s history, America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have bravely answered the call to defend our freedom, to aid our friends and allies and to turn back aggressors,” Insetta said.
Insetta said we are unable to thank all of those brave souls in the past who were killed or injured, but we can honor all veterans living today.
“As an infantryman, and a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is my profound honor to stand before you on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, to celebrate our veterans,” he said.
“This day is a time for us to come together and recognize the dedication, bravery and sacrifice of all who have served and continue to serve our great nation.”
Insetta’s speech was preceded by a rendition of “God Bless America” by Deshler graduate and Florence Police Department school resource officer Matt Burcham.
Members of the Colbert Heights High School band played the national anthem, and the Post 31 Color Guard posted and retired the colors along with a rifle salute and the playing of “Taps.”
