As Veteran’s Day approaches, a local church is preparing to honor veterans in the Selma area with a new event.

The Memorial United Methodist Church will be host their first veteran luncheon Thursday, Oct. 24 to show gratitude to those that have served the country.

The luncheon, which begins at 11 a.m. at Memorial UMC, is a collaborative effort of Memorial UMC Rev. Steve Kopp and Selma Outpatient Clinic’s Program Management Officer Jeffrey Bennett. The two met at a local nursing home while trying to spread information to Selma veterans.

“[Veterans] have done so much,” Kopp said.” They have sacrificed being away from their family. They have risked their lives.”

The luncheon will include a meet-and-greet amongst veterans and speeches from Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center representatives.

The Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center serves the Selma area through their Selma Outpatient Clinic, located on 206 Vaughan Memorial Drive.

Public Affairs Officer Damon Stevenson, of the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, said they are proud to contribute to the program.

“We take care of our veterans, so anything we can do to partner with the community is always a good thing for us,” Stevenson said.

Representatives from the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Clinic will share information with those attending the luncheon about programs the VA makes available at the Selma Outpatient Clinic, including the suicide prevention and My HealtheVet.

Bennett said informing the veterans of their services is their way of contributing.

While Kopp is uncertain of the specifics of the entertainment, he described it as special.

He credits the veterans for the reason he and his congregation are able to worship.

“We can come to worship, because our veterans have helped us to maintain our freedoms,” Kopp said. “We wouldn’t have that if we didn’t have our veterans fighting for what’s right. This is nothing more than a ‘Thank you. We love you.’”

Kopp said everyone he has discussed the event have expressed their delight for the upcoming luncheon.

“Everybody I have talked to is excited about it,” Kopp said.