On Sun., April 21, the Joe Wheeler Chapter 291 UDC awarded two military service medals, the highest award the UDC can present to a veteran.

Ronnie McKee of Decatur was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and Christopher Waters of Trinity was awarded the Global War on Terror Medal.

This was the first Global War on Terror Medal awarded in the state of Alabama. The presentation was held at Decatur City Cemetery in the Confederate Section.

On hand for the medal presentations were, from left, Linda Edwards, Ronnie McKee, Christopher Waters and Linda Clemons.

April is Confederate History Month in the State of Alabama and the Joe Wheeler Chapter holds memorial services for the veterans buried in this section every April. SCV Camp Sons of Liberty honored the veterans with a gun salute.

Glendora James, Alabama Division Recorder of Military Service Awards officer, explained the origins of the military service medals. Judy Blackwell, Alabama Division Honorary Life President, read the poem “Have Someone Play Dixie for Me.” Bettye Moore sang “Amazing Grace.”

The men were escorted by Hannah Appleton, member of Little Joe Wheeler CofC, to receive their medals. Pages Annabelle Vest and Mollie Appleton passed out programs. Vest and Appleton are also members of the Little Joe Wheeler Chapter CofC.

The ladies of the Joe Wheeler Chapter named their Confederate ancestor during the Ancestor Roll Call. This is a tradition that began several years ago.

The next meeting of the Chapter will be May 16 at 1:30 p.m. at Decatur City Library.