‘A State of Patriots’: Alabama honors military during joint legislative tribute

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April 8, 2025

The Alabama Legislature convened in a joint session Tuesday afternoon to commemorate Military Appreciation Day, honoring the state’s active duty service members, veterans and military families.

Lawmakers from both chambers and military leaders from the state gathered to express their gratitude to the service members and military families who contribute to Alabama’s identity and national defense. Throughout the session, leaders emphasized the state’s longstanding commitment to supporting the military community.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) emphasized the state’s deep ties to national defense, calling Alabama “a state of patriots.”

“Our military isn’t the cornerstone of our country — it’s the foundation that holds it up,” Ledbetter said. “America owes [our service members] a debt we will never be able to repay.”

Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) echoed those sentiments, stressing the importance of not only honoring those in uniform, but also their families.

“The sacrifices they make and the disruptions they endure are proof positive that they, too, serve our country in their own way,” Gudger said. “This Legislature has worked hard to repay our debts to those who defend us.”

State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville), chair of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, said Alabama continues working to become the “best state for military members, veterans, and their families to call home.”

State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre), who chairs the Senate’s Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, touted recent efforts to support military families, including becoming “the best state in the nation for military spouse license reciprocity” and second in the nation for veteran retirement.

“Whatever we can do to help you, let us know,” Jones said. “We want to have your back.”

Maj. Gen. David Pritchett, adjutant general of the Alabama National Guard, declared the state of the Guard “strong,” pointing to recruitment success and medical readiness.

“Your Alabama National Guard was recruiting in record numbers when most branches were struggling,” Pritchett said. “We will always be ready, and we will always be there — whether in Alabama or deployed across the world.”

The session also included remarks from senior leaders of Alabama-based military installations, including Fort Novosel, Redstone Arsenal, Fort Benning, and Maxwell Air Force Base.

Maj. Gen. Kevin Meisler, chief of staff for Army Materiel Command at Redstone Arsenal, highlighted the installation’s $36.2 billion economic impact and praised Alabama’s unmatched support for military personnel.

“I’ve never been somewhere with such a strong relationship between the installation and the community,” Meisler said.

Col. Shamekia Toliver, wing commander of Maxwell Air Force Base, underscored the base’s history and its expanding role in national defense and STEM education.

“We are the epicenter for tactical air operations and education,” Tolliver said. “We are the installation for cultivating advanced leadership.”

Commissioner Jeff Newton of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs outlined the agency’s efforts to support veterans through federal benefits, education scholarships, state veterans homes, and burial services.

“We take care of our veterans better than any other state in the country — and we do it at no cost to them,” Newton said.

The session concluded with a standing ovation for service members and veterans in attendance.

“Our state motto is ‘We dare defend our rights,’” Gudger said. “And those we honor today — they dare to defend our rights every time they put on the uniform.”

Today is the 19th day of the 2025 legislative session.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].