Feature Photos: Birmingham Honors Its Veterans

Birmingham paid homage to its veterans Friday morning at a in .

"God gave veterans extraordinary (and) big hearts with batteries that never run down," said keynote speaker Don Woodworth, a retired member of the U.S. Marine Corps and chief warrant officer.

The ceremony — attended by the Birmingham City Commission, City Manager Bob Bruner, state Rep. Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham) and U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-MI) — also included performances by singer Judy Cochill, piper Frank Stasa and bugler Lynn Popa. Wreaths were placed at the Civil War and World War II monuments in Shain Park.

The ceremony was organized by the Piety Hill chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

"At every turn, (veterans) distinguish themselves by their firm resolve," DAR Regent Barbara Balow said. "We thank them for their continued service to our nation."