American Legion Post 512 Veterans Day ceremony

ALBANY, Ga. – Families and supporters of veterans gather for a heartfelt ceremony to show their appreciation.

The American Legion Post 512, also known as Joseph Odom Post 512, hosted a special Veterans Day program to honor and express gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.

The heartfelt ceremony brought together families, veterans, and community members to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.

“Veterans Day is an annual event where the nation and the world give thanks to the veterans, those of us who serve during wartime and doing peacetime. Here at the post, we have an annual program each year on this day to commemorate and give thanks to those who served,” said Henry Mathis, Service Officer, American Legion Post 512.

The ceremony included a complimentary meal for veterans, followed by an inspiring keynote address from Westover High School’s head football coach, Corey Joyner. In his speech, Coach Joyner expressed deep gratitude and honored the service of those in attendance.

As a non-profit organization, the American Legion Post 512 is committed to supporting veterans, service members, and their families, making it a core part of their mission to assist those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

“We have a number of veterans here in the city of Albany and the county of Dougherty in the state of Georgia. Some of them are homeless, some of them have PTSD and other ailments. And, what we do, when they reach out to us or we see them, and then we network with the VA, we network with Congressman Bishop’s office to make certain that we try and get them the services that they need. Be it medication, housing assistance, we try to do that, and we network across the state with other service offices across the state of Georgia. Include the veterans that are in need so that we can help resolve whatever issues or crises they may be facing,” said Mathis.

Henry Mathis, Service Officer for the American Legion Post 512, encourages veterans to continue embodying the spirit of service in their communities throughout their lives.

“Continue to serve, we are servants. And, a lot of us have gone abroad and we’ve served. And, when we returned home, though, we didn’t get the recognition. We’re still serving. Serve, serve, serve,” said Mathis.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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