PIKE ROAD, AL – The Town of Pike Road honored the service and sacrifice of military veterans during its 15th Annual Veterans Appreciation Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park.
Veterans, military families and community members gathered for patriotic music, a wreath ceremony and the dedication of new commemorative bricks along the Veterans Walk of Honor.
Distinguished speaker Col. Michael L. Gallucci, commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base, spoke about the ways military service is remembered, from major moments in history to the daily responsibilities and sacrifices of those who served.
“These moments matter, but veterans know there’s another side to their service. It’s the early mornings, the long nights, the time away from home, the work that has to get done whether anyone is watching or not. It’s looking after that person to your left and right,” Gallucci said.
Gallucci also recognized the relationship between Maxwell and the Pike Road community, where military families live, attend school and participate in community life.
“That’s why the partnership between Maxwell and Pike Road means so much. It’s not simply about meetings and engagement. It’s about people taking care of people,” he said.
Reflecting on the contributions veterans make after their military service, Gallucci encouraged those in attendance to carry that same commitment into their own lives.
“The uniform may come off, but the commitment to serve will never end. You don’t have to be in the military to look after your neighbors. You don’t have to wear a uniform to make a promise, to keep a promise, and to take responsibility and help someone in need,” Gallucci said.
Mayor Gordon Stone dedicated this year’s Walk of Honor bricks, recognizing veterans whose names are now part of the path leading to the memorial.
“We are able to establish these moments of memory that will last forever in these bricks that are laid in this walk,” Stone said.
The 2026 brick honorees are Lorenzo C. Bass, Donald Dove, Robert (Bob) Gandy, Howard Kegley, Tommy G. King, Kenneth H. Knopf, James W. Morgan Jr., Jacqueline E. Smith, Leon D. Smith and Tony Q. Trevino.
Stone also thanked the veterans in attendance and spoke about the importance of their example for future generations.
“We do it all for the next generation. Thank you, men and women wearing these medals today, for what you’ve done for us, and may we always do it for those to come. That’s what Pike Road stands for,” Stone said.
Gallucci encouraged young people to learn from veterans and listen to the stories behind their service.
“Ask them about their service. Ask them about the people they served with. You’ll be surprised by the stories you hear,” he said.
Many of those memories, Gallucci said, center on the friends and fellow service members veterans relied on through difficult times. “These are stories worth hearing, and they’re worth preserving.”
The ceremony included the presentation of the colors and a wreath ceremony by the Auburn University at Montgomery Army ROTC Color Guard. Capitol Sounds provided patriotic music, while Pike Road Intermediate School Student Council Association officers led the Pledge of Allegiance and Pike Road High School Show Choir soloist Gregory McLeod performed the national anthem.
Chaplain Dwayne Hughes of Pike Road Church led the ceremony in prayer, and the Pike Road Quilters presented a handmade patriotic quilt to a veteran in attendance. Scouting America Troop 8 also participated in the event.
Residents can explore the Town’s digital collection of veterans’ stories HERE
