Stronger Together Foundation

10/06/2026

Weather & Tent Safety Update

IMPORTANT WEATHER & SAFETY UPDATE

As we prepare for the American Freedom Tribute featuring The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, we want everyone to be prepared for changing weather conditions. IF YOU ARE BRINGING A POP-UP TENT, PLEASE BRING WEIGHTS!
With the possibility of rain and changing weather, all tents need to be properly secured. Do not rely on the tent itself to keep it anchored.
THE TRIBUTE WILL MOVE FORWARD AS SCHEDULED.
However, if severe weather threatens the Wall—such as high winds or hail—the Traveling Memorial Wall panels may be temporarily removed from their foundations and placed safely in the trailer.
This decision will be made by Traveling Memorial Wall (TMW) personnel based on weather conditions and the safety of the Wall.
If this becomes necessary, the process takes approximately 30 minutes with a crew of eight people.
If the panels need to be temporarily removed, all volunteers currently on duty will be notified and directed accordingly.
Our priority is simple: protect the Wall, protect our volunteers, and protect everyone attending this tribute.
Thank you for helping us be prepared and for honoring the men and women whose names are represented on this Wall.
WEATHER MAY CHANGE OUR PLANS—BUT IT WILL NOT CHANGE OUR PURPOSE.

10/02/2026

AMERICAN FREEDOM TRIBUTE
FEATURING THE TRAVELING VIETNAM MEMORIAL WALL

OCTOBER 9–11
EAST MISSISSIPPI VETERANS PARK
MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI

THE MUSIC OF THE VIETNAM ERA
The Vietnam War wasn’t only recorded in photographs and history books—it was heard through the music of a generation.
The “First Television War” was also reflected in more than 5,000 songs, capturing the emotions of a nation experiencing one of the most difficult and divisive periods in American history.
From songs of protest and heartbreak to music expressing patriotism, courage, love, and support for our troops, the music of the Vietnam era tells a complicated story.
For the men and women who served, these songs became part of the soundtrack of their lives. For families back home, they reflected the uncertainty, fear, hope, and sacrifice of a generation.
The music tells a story.
The veterans lived that story.
And the fallen should never be forgotten.
As we prepare for the American Freedom Tribute featuring the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, take a moment to listen to the music of the era—and remember the young Americans whose lives were forever changed by Vietnam.

COME HEAR THE MUSIC OF A GENERATION
The Governor’s Own 41st Army Band will be performing music from the Vietnam era, bringing back the sounds that became part of the soundtrack of American history.
Come walk among heroes.
Come hear their stories.
Come experience the music of the Vietnam era.
Come remember their sacrifice.
Three days of remembrance.
A lifetime of gratitude.

October 9–11
East Mississippi Veterans Park 5955Mst — Meridian, Mississippi

09/27/2026

🇺🇸 FAITH & FREEDOM — BRING YOUR CHURCH TO THE WALL 🇺🇸

This October, we invite churches across East Mississippi to come together for something bigger than an event.
Join us for the American Freedom Tribute featuring The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, October 9–11 at East Mississippi Veterans Park 5955 Mst. in Meridian.
🙏 Bring your congregation. Bring your families. Bring your youth groups. Bring your veterans.
Come WALK AMONG HEROES and remember the men and women who gave their tomorrows for our today.
The tribute will feature the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, honoring more than 58,000 names, along with displays recognizing the sacrifices made throughout American history.
This is an opportunity to teach our children, honor our veterans and Gold Star families, and reflect on the blessings of faith, freedom and sacrifice.
🇺🇸 FAITH & FREEDOM
One Nation. One Faith. One Community.
📅 October 9–11, 2026
📍 East Mississippi Veterans Park 5955 Mst— Meridian, Mississippi
Pastors and church leaders: Make plans now to bring your church!
👉 Who will you remember?
Come remember. Come honor. Come together.
🇺🇸 WALK AMONG HEROES.

Let's gather together and say a prayer for our deployed military personnel.

09/23/2026

🇺🇸 ATTENTION AREA HISTORY TEACHERS & EDUCATORS! 🇺🇸
We hope schools throughout our area are getting excited about the American Freedom Tribute featuring The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, coming to Meridian October 9–11 at East Mississippi Veterans Park 5955 Mst Meridian Ms!
This is more than an event—it is an extraordinary opportunity for students to walk among heroes, connect with history, and experience the human cost of freedom firsthand.
As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial—250 years of freedom, we invite educators to bring their students and become part of this once-in-a-generation history experience.
Students will have the opportunity to learn about:
🇺🇸 The Vietnam War and the 58,000+ names on the Memorial Wall
🇺🇸 Veterans and their sacrifices
🇺🇸 Gold Star and military families
🇺🇸 The conflicts and events that have shaped our nation
🇺🇸 The Cost of Freedom and why remembering matters
Come walk among heroes. Come learn. Come remember. Come be part of history.
📍 East Mississippi Veterans Park — Meridian, Mississippi
📅 October 9–11, 2026
History isn't just something we read about. Sometimes, we have the opportunity to walk through it. 🇺🇸
American Freedom Tribute right here on Meridian’s doorstep, October 9th through 11th.

09/20/2026

THANK YOU VFW POST 12124

This is what service after service looks like. 🇺🇸
A huge thank you to VFW Post 12124 for everything you do in our community—and especially for showing up today to support the Stronger Together Foundation’s Lean On Me Jubilee 5K.
From helping Wesley House with groundskeeping and neighborhood cleanups, to assisting during a truck rollover, helping a WWII veteran’s wife relocate, and so much more, you continue to demonstrate that serving your country doesn’t end when you take off the uniform.
Today, “The Chief,” Ed, the Burchfields, and other Post members once again answered the call.
Veterans serving veterans. Veterans serving their communities. Neighbors helping neighbors.
That’s what being Stronger Together is all about.
Thank you, VFW Post 12124, for standing in the gap and continuing to make our community a better place. 🇺🇸💪
If you are a veteran of a foreign war and would like to become a member, VFW Post 12124 will have a registration table set up at the American Cost of Freedom Tribute on October 9–11 at East Mississippi Veterans Park, 5955 M Street. Stop by to learn more about membership and how you can get involved.
No family forgotten. No community left behind.

09/18/2026

TODAY, WE REMEMBER. TODAY, WE HONOR. TODAY, WE CELEBRATE. 🇺🇸

September 18, 2026 — National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Today carries a special significance as we pause to remember the American service members who became Prisoners of War and those still Missing in Action.
Behind every name is a story.
Behind every missing service member is a family that waited.
Behind every empty chair is someone who never gave up hope.
Today also marks the 79th Anniversary of the United States Air Force, established on September 18, 1947. For 79 years, Airmen have answered the call to defend the freedoms we inherited and continue to pass to the next generation.
And as America celebrates its 250th Anniversary of freedom, we also recognize the 251st Anniversary of the United States Army, whose history of service began on June 14, 1775.
These anniversaries are not simply dates on a calendar.
They are reminders of service, sacrifice, courage and freedom.
And this year, we have an opportunity to bring those stories together in Meridian.
🇺🇸 FORGING ALLIANCES
🇺🇸 AMERICAN FREEDOM TRIBUTE
🇺🇸 FEATURING THE TRAVELING VIETNAM MEMORIAL WALL
📍 East Mississippi Veterans Park — Meridian, Mississippi
📅 October 9–11, 2026
The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall will give our community an opportunity to walk among the names of those who gave their tomorrows for our today.
But the American Freedom Tribute goes beyond Vietnam.
It is about the Cost of Freedom—from the Revolutionary generation to the conflicts of today. It is about every branch of service, every generation of veterans, every Gold Star family, every POW, every MIA, and every American who has carried the responsibility of defending our nation.
September 18 reminds us of those who were captured and those who never came home.
October 9–11 gives us an opportunity to remember them.
Because freedom has never been free.
The names on the Wall are not just names. They are our history. They are our neighbors. They are our heroes.
🇺🇸 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM.
🇺🇸 251 YEARS OF ARMY SERVICE.
🇺🇸 79 YEARS OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE.
🇺🇸 ONE NATION. ONE TRIBUTE. ONE COST OF FREEDOM.
We remember. We honor. We never forget.
Forging Alliances — bringing veterans, families, and communities together.

09/18/2026

09/16/2026

Join Stronger Together Foundation and Forging Alliances This October 9-11 as we walk among heroes

09/12/2026

THE COST OF FREEDOM: THE STORY CONTINUES

For the past few weeks, we’ve been highlighting Meridian’s connection to the Cost of Freedom—the people, places and stories that remind us that freedom has never been free.

In the coming weeks, we’re going beyond Lauderdale County and looking to the surrounding counties.

Clarke. Neshoba. Newton. Kemper. Jasper. Smith. Scott. Noxubee. Leake. Winston.
Each county has a story to tell.

Each has men and women who answered the call to serve.
Some served close to home. Others traveled thousands of miles to defend a nation they loved.
Some returned home. Some carried the visible and invisible scars of war. And some made the ultimate sacrifice.

As we continue this journey, we’ll uncover the stories of these communities and the people who helped pay the Cost of Freedom.
Because when the Cost of Freedom Tribute and Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall arrive at
East Mississippi Veterans Park this October, it won’t belong to just one city or one county.
It belongs to all of us.
Every county has a seat at the table.
Every veteran has a story.
Every generation has a connection.
And together, we will remember those who gave their tomorrows…
FOR OUR TODAY.

250 YEARS OF FREEDOM.
The table is being set.
The story continues
Follow Forging Alliances on Facebook for more exciting stories.

09/01/2026

💛 SEPTEMBER IS SU***DE AWARENESS MONTH 💛
September reminds us of something we should never forget: every life has value, and no one should have to face their darkest moments alone.
Behind every statistic is a person—a son or daughter, a husband or wife, a father or mother, a veteran, a first responder, a friend, or a neighbor.
Sometimes the strongest people are the ones quietly fighting battles nobody can see.
This month, let's check on our people.
Make the phone call.
Send the text.
Sit down and listen.
Ask the question: “Are you okay?”
And if someone tells you they're struggling, don't judge them, don't dismiss them, and don't assume they'll simply get over it.
Listen. Stay. Walk beside them.
Su***de doesn't just affect the person we lose. It leaves families, friends, brothers and sisters in service, and entire communities asking, “What could we have done?”
Let's work together to make sure more people hear a different message:
You matter.
You are not alone.
Your story isn't over.
There is hope.
This September, let's turn awareness into action and remind one another that it's okay to ask for help—and it's okay to ask someone else if they need it.
No family forgotten. No one left behind.
***deAwarenessMonth