CENTRE– The ASF Foundation says Cherokee County’s Honoring Our Heroes ceremony carried forward a statewide recognition program that began following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The foundation released additional information following Saturday’s ceremony at Richard Lindsey Arena on the Gadsden State Cherokee campus. The release places the local event within a 25-year effort to recognize people who protect, serve, and strengthen Alabama communities.

WEIS Radio’s original coverage documented the speeches, presentations, and local service stories that defined the evening. The ASF Foundation’s follow-up provides a broader look at the history behind the medals and the program’s connection to America’s 250th anniversary.

Recognition Continues Beyond Alabama State Games

Laura Creel Burt, CEO of the ASF Foundation and executive director of the Alabama State Games, attended the July 25 ceremony to recognize Cherokee County’s military veterans and first responders.

The appearance continued the foundation’s recognition efforts beyond the conclusion of the 43rd Alabama State Games.

Burt said the ceremony provided an opportunity to thank people who regularly answer calls for help.

“Those recognized don’t think of themselves as heroes, but they are,” Burt said.

She described the honorees as neighbors, coworkers, and friends who dedicate themselves to serving others. Burt said their willingness to place the needs of others first reflects the purpose behind the Honoring Our Heroes program.

The program recognizes people who have sacrificed to protect the nation, Alabama, and their local communities.

Local Organizations Join Statewide Mission

The Cherokee County ceremony brought veterans, first responders, elected officials, and their families together for dinner and presentations.

The ASF Foundation presented the event alongside the Alabama Association of Rescue Squads, Cherokee County Rescue Squad, Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency, and Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

State Sen. Andrew Jones, State Rep. Ginny Shaver, and local elected officials attended and helped present medals to the honorees.

Joy Perry, executive director of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, said the recognition reflected the contributions first responders make throughout the county.

“It was truly inspiring to see our first responders honored in such a meaningful way,” Perry said.

She thanked the Alabama State Games and ASF Foundation for bringing the recognition program to Cherokee County.

Perry said the men and women honored during the ceremony give their time and talents to protect, serve, and strengthen the community. She described the recognition as deeply deserved.

Program Began After September 11

The ASF Foundation created Honoring Our Heroes following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The first medals recognized the first responders who answered the call in New York City.

During the 25 years that followed, the program expanded to recognize many forms of service.

Past honorees have included Korean War veterans, active-duty and retired military members, military families, firefighters, law-enforcement officers, educators, and education support professionals.

The program has also recognized wounded warriors, disabled veterans, families of fallen service members, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and nurses who served during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fathers and father figures across Alabama have also received recognition.

That history gives the Cherokee County ceremony a connection to recognitions held throughout the state. It also places local veterans and first responders among generations of Alabamians honored through the program.

America’s 250th Anniversary Expands Recognition

The Honoring Our Heroes program expanded again in 2026 as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

This year’s recognitions include descendants of Revolutionary War veterans, Native Americans, and first responders. Those groups were also featured during the 43rd Alabama State Games Opening Ceremony in June.

Cherokee County’s ceremony continued that America 250 Alabama observance at the local level. Commemorative medals and challenge coins connected the nation’s history with the people continuing its tradition of service.

While the presentations marked one evening, organizers emphasized that the work represented by those awards continues every day.

For the ASF Foundation, the Cherokee County ceremony extended a program built after a national tragedy. For the community, it offered another opportunity to recognize the veterans, first responders, and families who continue answering the call close to home.

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