A week before our country celebrates its independence, patriotism took center stage on Saturday in downtown Selma.
Three monuments honoring Military personnel were unveiled at Veteranâs Plaza as a few hundred citizens watched in the June heat.
The monuments were created by Fresno-based sculpture artist Brandon Greer under contract from American Legion Post 12. They were created from recycled steel with a clear powder coat.
One statue depicts a sailor embracing a loved one. Another is of a female Air Force member holding the hand of a child. The largest statue, in the center of the plaza, is of a soldier in full gear holding an American flag.
What is the American Legion?
 The American Legion is the largest wartime veteranâs service organization, with nearly 2 million members and more than 12,000 posts in communities throughout America. The America Legion was established by the act of Congress in 1919. The Legion was instrumental in getting the original GI Bill through Congress and the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Today the American Legion is active throughout the United States, supporting current military personnel and veterans, sponsoring a variety of activities and events in local communities. The organization also pushes for the adoption of a constitutional amendment to prohibit desecration of the U.S. Flag.