It was an honor to welcome our community back to our in-person Memorial Day ceremony on such a beautiful morning. Memorial Day is always a special day in Opelika. There is nothing more precious than our freedom. This is a time to honor, remember and be grateful for the men and women of our military who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

We had a lovely ceremony with special guest speaker, Retired Navy Captain Mike Horsefield. Captain Horsefield served in the Navy for 27 years flying jets off of aircraft carriers all over the world. He is an Auburn University Alumnus. Him and his wife moved back to Auburn after he retired from the Navy. He completed 13 assignments serving 10 years overseas during his service.

I would like to thank everyone who participated and came out to remember the fallen. May we never forget that our freedom is not free.

Atta Girl Award for Tiffany Chandler

Our May 18 city council meeting was short and sweet. I recognized Tiffany Chandler from Opelika Power Athletics with an Atta Girl Award for her quick tand safe thinking during recent storms. She put her tumblers and staff in the Denson Rec bathrooms with gymnastics mats over them to protect them during a tornado watch. A tree ended up falling falling on the gym and causing some damage that could have seriously injured the children if they were present.

Quaneisha LaShawn Jones

I also read a a bereavement proclamation for the family of Quaneisha LaShawn Jones, who was involved in a fatal accident in Prattville, Alabama in March. We express our deepest condolences for her family and her fiance.

During Opelika City Council, I had the privilege of congratulating several graduating seniors who received the Killgore Scholarship, our OHS Outdoor Track and Field State Champions, signed a Bike Month proclamation, a third annual Opelika Giving Day proclamation and gave an Atta Boy Award to IT department's James Bush! I love watching people accomplish goals and celebrating as a community.