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Veterans throughout the community are honored today in the historic Downtown District with a parade dedicated to their sacrificial efforts to serve within the United States Armed Forces.

Founder & Veteran Lashundra Weaver of Restoring Veterans Hope Organization said today’s event regarding the veterans’ parade is their first and is held downtown to show gratitude to the veterans within the community.

“I just feel great about this event,” said Weaver. “I feel like it’s going to be a change for Selma and going to restore veterans hope under one house.”

During the event, community members stood together on each side of the street, from the city hall to the intersection right in front of The Selma Times Journal Building to watch the parade, seeing members of the American Legion Post #324 and the cheerleaders from Valley Grande Elementary and Tipton Durant Middle School go by.

“We are just trying to raise public awareness of patriotism while trying to honor the fallen comrades,” said Darius L. Bettis, Vice Commander of American Legion Post #324. “We took this as a golden opportunity to try and unite this city and this nation and to remind us that we are all in this together.”

The parade also included a special guest from the Selma Fire Department, Sparky the fire dog, an organization catered to the wellbeing of veterans called Hope 4 Heroes & Families including two little furry friends from the Selma Animal Shelter, Luca and True.

“We are honored to be a part of it,” said Kelsey Hatfield, who is a parent supporter for the _ Valley Grande Elementary School cheerleaders. “We’re thankful for all our veterans and I think it’s good to get out into the community and do things, especially for something as big as Veterans Day and I think it shows community, growth and that we be can be a part of something so special.”

Hatfield’s son, John,12, said the event is so special to him as well because his grandfather and his uncle served within the United States Armed Forces and both are veterans as well.

“It makes me feel good to have somebody within my family who served the country and I’m very glad we get to celebrate this day for them, about them, knowing how much they sacrificed for us.” John said.

Weaver said she is thankful for the great turnout of the event and is hopeful next year it will become bigger and plans to host this event every year.

“I would truly like to say, I am proud of Lashundra Weaver’s efforts to come out to do this for our community and our city, providing an opportunity for families within our community to come together for a partnership to celebrate the veterans and also, host a paint in the park for the kids and providing food. This is what it’s all about. She has really set out her plan for the veterans here in Selma and I am proud she is truly sticking to her goal,” said Jonnae Miles, friend and supporter of Weaver.

For more information about the Restoring Veterans Hope Organization, contact Lashundra Weaver at 334-419-1898.