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The Restoring Veterans Hope Organization is calling out community members to help them celebrate veterans through its first-ever Veterans Day Parade, honoring their dedication and sacrificial efforts to serve within the United States Armed Forces.

The Veterans Day parade will start at the Selma City Hall on 222 Broad St. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. and lead around to Gallery 905 where an event called ‘Paint in the Park’ will take place as well.

“We’re trying to make it a traditional thing,” said Lashundra Weaver, founder of Restoring Veterans Hope Organization. “This will be the first year that we are doing it to show gratitude to the veterans of the community.”

Weaver, who is actually a veteran herself, realized when she came to Selma that they didn’t really have a lot of outreach that helped veterans within the community. That’s when she took the initiative upon herself to make the first move and start giving back to veterans with food.

Weaver said her organization’s efforts to give back four years later is not a new thing for them to do.

She said they always have given back to the community since they first launched in February 2020 doing other festivities in honor of the veterans such as a barbecue that was held on the Fourth of July, the first year, a meet-and-greet at the Anchor that was held in Selma, the second year and a suicidal walk held last year.

This year is quite different for Weaver’s organization because she said their focus is to make sure veterans get the recognition they need and deserve.

This is not just an event for the veterans but an event catered to the whole family dynamic, veterans, family and friends.

Refreshments such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served at the event, and there will be other paint activities to go along with the fun as well.

“Anyone is welcome to come,” Weaver said. “And, we are also still looking for participants who would like to be a part of the parade.”

For more information or to join the efforts behind the parade, call Weaver at 334-419-1898.