Fall is in the air and beginning to cast its magnificent hues across the landscape. What a wonderful time of year to view the grandeur of God’s creation. With this as the backdrop, Selma has company coming to enjoy the beauty and history of our city. The National Commander of the 2.2 million member American Legion along with an entourage of other officials will pay a visit to Selma on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Recently elected 2015-2016 Commander Dale Barnett has chosen Selma to spend the afternoon this Veterans Day. It is quite an honor and opportunity for us to showcase Selma’s history and its many attractive features.

Commander Barnett was elected Sept. 3, 2015 at the 97th National Convention of the American Legion in Baltimore. He is a native of central Indiana, but now resides in Douglasville, Georgia with his wife Donna. They have five children and four grandchildren.

He is a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1974 to 1996 retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Commander Barnett is a U.S. Military Academy at West Point graduate and commissioned as an infantry officer. He spent 1990-1991 as the battalion executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

During Commander Barnett’s illustrious career, he earned The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and numerous other awards, medals, and ribbons.

Arrangements and itinerary for his visit are incomplete at this time, however it is being formulated jointly by the American Legion Post 20 and American Legion Post 324 of Selma. A special emphasis will be placed on recognizing our WWII veterans during the proceedings. The theme for Commander Barnett’s term is “Walk for Veterans” to support the American Legion National Emergency Fund. These events will be held nationwide to raise funds to assist Legion family members and posts impacted by natural disasters. A “Walk for Veterans” is scheduled for the Selma visit as well as a meet and greet session. Further details will be forthcoming on events, times, and etcetera.

So, what do you do when you have company coming at home? You clean up, shine up and make everything as attractive, appealing and inviting as possible. You take pride in your home and surroundings with the desire to make a favorable impression on your guest. The same should be for our city.

Selma needs to place its best foot forward and see our guests leave with a favorable impression. If Selma lived up to that descriptive name, guests would leave treasuring the experience.

Southern hospitality costs nothing and leaves a lasting impression on the recipients.