Veterans Week 2025
Birmingham Restaurants hosts Alabama Veterans for YLDP.
By Jan Walsh
The Youth Leadership Development Program was founded by Dr. Kevin Walsh in 2008. High school juniors and seniors are chosen for their demonstrated character in school. If they excel in the YLDP, College Partners offer scholarships to them based om on their performance in the YLDP.
Patriotism is an integral part of the entire experience of the YLDP. Each November the YLDP opens Veterans week with its annual 5K Walk for Warriors. All students in the YLDP are assigned to a “company” named in honor of a Great American Hero. This year’s Walk for Warriors “mission” is to raise funds to erect two statues, honoring veterans who served their country during the Vietnam War. One of two statues is “Three Marines” for their courage and service, and one for the nurses who saved the lives of thousands of these warriors. The Three Marines Vietnam War Memorial will be erected at the American Village in Montevallo, Alabama. The second statue will be the “Vietnam War Women’s Memorial” which will be erected on the campus of Troy University.
Several honorees and guests arrive the day prior to the upcoming events. They are treated to lunch at Billy’s Sports Grill. During this meet and greet luncheon, guests order from the menu, enjoying an array of salads, sandwiches, and grilled fish over a leisurely lunch.
The following day “Lunch with Heroes” is held at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and catered by Kathy G. The luncheon honors some of America’s greatest heroes, from Medal of Honor Recipients and other military warriors to law enforcement, and this year’s families of victims of Flight 93, who heroically fought the terrorists of September 11. The luncheon also provides an opportunity for YLDP students, community, and leaders in the State of Alabama in education, business, and politics to share in the experience of meeting these great American heroes. Guests enjoyed three courses: garden salad, pan seared parmesan chicken piccata, and lemon poundcake with whipped cream and fresh berries.
The Hewitt Trussville High School Chamber Choir sang to open the luncheon and were hosted afterwards for lunch at Sol Y Luna. A buffet of shrimp cocktail, chicken skewers, pork tenderloin, duck empanadas, chorizo quesadillas, and churros for dessert.
To conclude the Veterans week, the YLDP Patriotism Program is held at Hewitt Trussville High School. Here patriotism is brought to life through student involvement, honored guests, special presentations, and the celebration of freedom.
YLDP is a 501 (c) (3) public charity. Learn more at YLDP.us. Support YLDP; make a Tax Deductible Donation.
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