The Covington Veterans Foundation will host Celebration of Heroes: A Salute to Covington County Veterans at 2 p.m. this Sunday, November 7, in the Andalusia High School Auditorium.
The musical celebration is being coordinated by Covington Veterans Foundation member Amy Dugger, and will focus on the Vietnam era. The Three Notch Ramblers, the Andy Sisters, Andalusia Ballet, and the Andalusia’s Men’s Chorus will perform. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor of the Troy University system and a Vietnam veteran, will be the keynote speaker. CVF board member Ben Bowden will serve as master of ceremonies.
Following the ceremony, a reception in Andalusia City Hall will mark the opening of a historical exhibit focusing on the contributions of local veterans. The display, curated by CVF member Robert Evers, will remain open through Veterans Day.
There are more than 400 veterans tribute banners displayed throughout the downtown area this year. The Covington Veterans Foundation sells the banners and works with the City of Andalusia to display them.
Other events include:
• Lt. John B. Givhan Heliport Dedication Ceremony, Wed., Nov. 10, at 10 a.m., South Alabama Regional Airport.
• The South Alabama Regional Airport, City of Andalusia and Covington Veterans Foundation have worked with the Friends of Army Aviation to have two UH-1 helicopters at the airport on Wednesday, Nov. 10, as part of this year's tributes to veterans. The helicopters will be at the main entrance to South Alabama Regional Airport from 9 a.m. until sunset. Tickets will be sold online at https://friendsofarmyaviation.org/.
• The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Veterans Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 11, beginning at 9 a.m. The lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. For more information, call the Chamber at 334-222-2030.
• A Veterans Day service will follow at the Covington Veterans Memorial, located behind City Hall. Retired educator and Vietnam veteran Sam Nichols, an Andalusia native and Class of 1965 AHS graduate, will be the guest speaker. A reception for veterans will follow in City Hall.