&8220;Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave.&8221;

&045;Muhammad

One of Shelby County&8217;s most inspiring events will be held on Monday, May 28 at The American Village in Montevallo as people from throughout the county and state gather for the annual Alabama Blue Star Salute.

Starting at 10:00 a.m., this year&8217;s Blue Star Salute will last until 4:00 p.m. and promises to not only be an enjoyable salute, but also a very meaningful one to those brave men and women who have given their lives defending our nation and our freedom.

Those currently serving in our nation&8217;s military will also be celebrated, as well as surviving veterans.

If you haven&8217;t had the opportunity to attend one of the previous Blue Star Salutes, this year&8217;s event gives you every reason to do so as it moves back to the American Village from the Shelby County Airport.

Monday&8217;s activities run the gamut from patriotic music, vintage and modern military equipment on display, a military flyover and much more.

Even a &8220;vintage&8221; U.S.O. canteen will be up and running during the event, offering 1940&8217;s music and refreshments.

A special Gold Star Salute will be made to those fallen heroes who have given their lives in defense of liberty since the attack of Sept. 11, 2001.

The American Village, American Legion, Gold Star Wives and Mothers and Alabama Society of Sons of the American Revolution have coordinated this very special event just as they have in previous years.

They, too, deserve our thanks for helping ensure that the lives and sacrifices of our nation&8217;s brave defenders do not go unnoticed or forgotten. In that effort, they also are patriots of the first measure.

This is the third year of the event and a great way to close out May, which Gov. Bob Riley recently declared Military Appreciation Month in Alabama.

For more information about the Blue Star Salute, please visit www.americanvillage.org or www.bluestarsalute.org or call 1-888-7-SALUTE