PARA to Host Memorial Day Ceremony Honoring Fallen Heroes

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This solemn occasion is dedicated to remembering the military men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. The program will open with a color guard presentation by the Hillcrest High School AJROTC, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Yvonne Wells. Vocalist Tayllor Hanson Barnett will perform the National Anthem. The ceremony will also feature a Gun Volley Salute and the playing of Taps by the Tuscaloosa County American Legion Honor Guard.

The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA), in collaboration with the Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park Association, warmly invites the public to attend the annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The event will take place at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 1701 McFarland Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Captain Brian Butler, U.S. Navy (Retired), will serve as master of ceremonies. The morning will include:

• Invocation by Dr. Jacqueline Long, Chaplain at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center

• Remarks from John Merkle, LTC, U.S. Army (Retired), and Director of the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center

• Keynote Address delivered by **Master Sergeant Barry Gregg, U.S