While the city of Selma held its annual Fourth of July Celebration at Memorial Stadium on Wednesday to commemorate the birth of this nation, it also took the opportunity to honor those who served and have served the country to preserve freedom.

The City of Selma paid tribute to past and present service members during its annual Fourth of July Celebration.

It was a time when those present let veterans know they’re thankful for their service to this country.

Elton Reece, who served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1969 during the Vietnam War Era, said it’s just a good feeling to see so much support from the community.

“It just makes you feel good and I’m happy I was able to do my part. A lot of people didn’t, but it takes all kinds of people to make the service work — Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines,” Reece said. “We’re blessed that we have a country that has people that are willing to serve for their country. It makes you feel good.”

Sgt. Kyle Mount with the U.S. Army, who’s stationed in Selma with the Army Career Center, agreed that it’s great to see how the community came out to show support to the service members, especially those veterans of America’s most recent wars.

“It’s a real pleasure for me to see the whole community come out and give their support to the nation’s birthday and supporting all the troops that have been fighting for the last 10 or so years in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Mount said. “It’s just amazing.”

Sgt. Joe Strobaugh, who’s also with the U.S. Army and stationed in Selma with the Army Career Center, said in his short time in Selma, he’s taken notice of the community support for the military.

“It’s an honor to be a part of this, it’s an honor to see such a great support system that the community has,” Strobaugh said. “I’ve only been in Selma for about a year, but what I’ve noticed, especially right of the bat from getting here, is the community rallies around itself. There’s a great support for the youth and there’s great support for the military service here.”