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Sgt. Maj. Monica Walker saw the importance of speaking on Memorial Day. 

On Monday, Walker was the guest speaker at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3016’s Selma Memorial Day Ceremony. Walker is the Alabama Joint Forces Headquarters policy and plans senior enlisted advisor.

“It was very important to speak on Memorial Day,” Walker said. “I lost a lot of family members who served in the military. I can relate to some of the people who lost family members serving in the military.”

Walker’s speech was brief but effective. Walker, who served on tours in Kuwait and Iraq during a decorated 25-year career, recommended to the audience how they can honor veterans.

“You can give back by volunteering and say thank you to veterans, educate our future students, and advocate policies that support our veterans,” Walker said. “Giving back is a continuous commitment to honor those who sacrificed their lives for us. It is our duty to give back.”

Walker closed her speech with a quote from Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington: “At the end of the day its not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.’

Walker received a standing ovation and a military salute. 

Orrville Mayor Louvenia Lumpkin, former Selma City Council President Corey Bowie and Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum were among those who attended the ceremony.