February is always a very special month at the Franklin County Times because it’s when we release our biggest publication of the year: Progress.

This longstanding annual tradition boasts a different theme each year. In the past few years, you might recall, we have turned the spotlight on a range of topics, from volunteer fire departments across the county, to local law enforcement, to the Distinguished Young Women of the Decades.

Progress 2024, which came out a few weeks ago, honors perhaps the most influential segment of our society. These heroes rarely receive the praise and gratitude they deserve: our veterans and service members.

Patriotism is alive and well in this corner of the state, and Franklin Countians have a rich tradition of honoring their veterans. Annual recognitions like the Russellville Veterans Day Parade and Every Light a Prayer for Peace ceremonies, along with school programs and the placement of banners and flags in downtown Russellville, go just a little way toward giving “honor to whom honor” is due. We hope this year’s Progress edition will be another small piece of honoring their brave and selfless service.

This special publication includes stories profiling veterans across Franklin County who were gracious enough to share their memories and thoughts for this edition.

We also feature the local memorials that honor those servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate price – located at Russellville Veterans Park, adjacent to the Franklin County Archives; Phil Campbell Memorial Park, right in the middle of downtown Phil Campbell; and Bay Tree Park in Red Bay, along with the memorials at the Franklin County Courthouse and in East Franklin.

We even have a look at the local American Legion and VFW posts, plus the Russellville High School JROTC, giving you a chance to meet a few students who are considering becoming part of the illustrious tradition of military service and delving into the program’s commitment to encouraging good citizenship for all.

We hope Progress 2024 will be a lasting tribute to military heroes. If you haven’t picked up a copy yet – or several! – we hope you won’t pass up the opportunity.