MADISON COUNTY – North Alabama, particularly residents in Huntsville and Madison, honored military personnel with an array of diverse activities for the week leading to Veterans Day 2019 on Nov. 11.

On Nov. 7, the John Ordway Breakfast was held at the Jackson Center, 6001 Moquin Drive in Huntsville. The free meal and activities were open to the public. (HuntsvilleVets.org)

Also on that date, Monrovia Middle School, 1216 Jeff Road presented a Veterans Day Program with a breakfast and an assembly program to recognize service men and women, according to Commander Larry Vannoy with Madison American Legion, Post 229.

Hogan Family YMCA in Madison at 130 Park Lane hosted the YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast on Nov. 8. Lt. Gen. James Dickinson, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command, gave the keynote address. Harpist Olivia Hitt and baritone Michael Beutjer performed for the audience. (ymcahuntsville.org/veterans)

In Madison, Discovery Middle School presented its annual Veterans Recognition Breakfast and Program on Nov. 8. Guests could choose between two seatings for the morning programs, along with a full breakfast free to military personnel.

A veterans’ dinner at the Von Braun Center, South Hall honored Hall of Heroes inductees and Purple Heart Roll enrollees on Nov. 8. (HuntsvilleVets.org)

On Nov. 9, members of Madison American Legion, Post 229 placed American flags at graves of veterans. Volunteers met at Madison Memory Gardens on Hughes Road and also visited Madison Cemetery (north of Mill Road), Old Madison Cemetery (south of Mill Road) and Faith Memorial Park on Madison Boulevard. Post 229, Auxiliary Unit cleaned gravestones at the old cemetery.

Madison Christian Church, 1400 Hughes Road hosted a steak and baked potato dinner on Nov. 10. The meal was free to all veterans.

On Nov. 11, a Veterans Breakfast honored Gold Star Families with a buffet at The Roundhouse, 389 Monroe St. in Huntsville. Gold Star Families are the surviving families of service members who died while in active duty. (HuntsvilleVets.org)

“Boots on the Memorial” was held at Huntsville/Madison County Veterans Memorial, 200 Monroe St. in Huntsville.

The annual Huntsville Veterans Parade on Nov. 11 organized near Big Spring Park and proceeded through several downtown streets. Madison American Legion was among the groups entering a float.

The Veterans Day Service at Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann State Veterans Home, 2701 Meridian St. was open to the public and free for everyone.

For more information about American Legion, Post 229, email LVannoy06@gmail.com or visit americanlegionpost229.org or Facebook/American Legion, Post 229.