Foot soldiers from the 1965 Voting rights movement had an emotional reunion on Saturday at R.B. Hudson Middle School.

The annual Foot Soldiers breakfast was held at R.B. Hudson Middle School. Several foot soldiers traveled across the country, ranging from Florida to North Carolina to share their memories of the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965. The event commemorated the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Over a delectable spread of bacon, sausage, eggs, biscuits and grits, several foot soldiers revisited one of the most important moments in American history led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They spoke before a packed cafeteria at R.B. Hudson Middle School and all received loud applause.

Faya Rose, wife of former State Senator Hank Sanders, thanked the foot soldiers for making a huge impact during the fight for equal rights.

Linda DuBose and her husband, Edgar, recalled participating in the march. They now reside in Dothan.

“It means a lot to come back here and celebrate,” Linda Dubose said. “If I had to do it all over again, I would. It’s about remembering Dr. Martin Luther King and those who have passed on to make the way for us.”

Edgar DuBose compared the annual Jubilee to a reunion.

“It’s great to see old friends and continue to live the dream,” Edgar said.

For Bobby Lee Steward, Clifton Steward, Ira Fairley and Corinne Bryant, their march began in Marion before arriving to Selma. The Stewards and Fairley still reside in Marion, while Bryant is now a Columbus, Georgia resident.

“It’s a blessing to see different people,” Bryant said. “Everyone had their own struggle in those days. We were all farmers.”

Bobby Lee Steward credited their survival during the march to divine intervention.