Satsuma remembers soldiers lost

SATSUMA, Ala. (WALA) - People from Satsuma and neighboring communities gathered outside City Hall this morning to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice from the North Mobile County area.

A single bell was tolled for each of the names engraved on the granite memorial put up four years ago.

The ceremony was intended to honor all of the fallen soldiers from the area, but Monday's program was dedicated to the last name on the monument at City Hall.

Cpl. Joseph Whitehead was killed in Afghanistan on January 17, 2011. It was just one week before his birthday.

Melanie Miller said she was invited to Washington for a Memorial Day ceremony this year, but Satsuma was where she wanted to be.

"I had the opportunity to go with Taps up to Washington D.C., but I didn't want to because this is where my son went to school and everything, and I feel like you stay true to your home ones," Miller said.

Whitehead graduated in 2007 from Satsuma High where he played football. However, his lasting legacy is his nearly four years of military service.

"I feel so privileged because, even though he passed away January 17, people are remembering him and honoring him," she said.

Cpl. Whitehead only had six months left to serve overseas when he was killed.