Local veterans groups hold Hamilton ceremony; retired Marine urges veterans to check on one another

Organizers, veterans groups and local officials gathered at Bevill State Community College in Hamilton, Marion County, for a community Veterans Day program that included historical remarks about the Buddy Poppy, recognition of local veterans and a keynote address by retired Marine Sergeant Major Ronnie Dickey.

Eric Reason, who identified himself as the District 1 legislation officer for North Alabama for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, opened by explaining the Buddy Poppy’s symbolism and why the small flag is attached to some poppies. "The Buddy Poppy is, the symbol of veterans organizations," Reason told attendees, and he urged people to wear poppies on the lapel as a sign of support for veterans.

After introducing former mayor Bobby Page, who read prepared remarks on patriotism and sacrifice, the host introduced Ronnie Dickey. Dickey — introduced from a reading of his service record that cited multiple deployments, awards and promotions — recounted deployments to Kosovo and Iraq, his unit’s hurricane-response work and search-and-recovery missions. He described encounters with civilians overseas and with service members at home and emphasized peer-to-peer contact for struggling veterans.

"There is no substitute for calling your buddies and being in there when they call you," Dickey said, urging veterans to keep in touch and to support one another. He also referenced VA statistics in his remarks, saying "according to the VA" roughly 6% of adults experience post‑traumatic stress disorder sometime in life and about 7% of veterans do — framing that context in a broader argument for community and organizational support.

Organizers thanked local partners and funders who helped stage the event. The host named Alabama Power, REA, Marion County Commission and Hampton City Hall among donors and singled out Bevill State Community College for offering the venue without charge. The program also noted local VA home‑based primary care nurses who visit veterans at home and urged veterans not yet enrolled in VA health care to contact event organizers for assistance.

Event logistics included a request that attendees remain for a post‑program group photo and for food service; speakers also circulated a keepsake spoon made from an artillery shell casing for attendees to view. Organizers said a recent federal government shutdown prevented some federal reservists, including Marines, from traveling to participate, and credited the American Legion and VFW with covering flag and color duties.

The program included recognitions (including a named Bronze Star recipient who could not attend), music for each service branch and an invocation. No formal votes or motions were taken. The closing plan called for a brief reconvening after the meal for final remarks and a closing prayer.