14 November: Dedication of Veterans Memorial Park of Jackson County, Alabama

It’s an honor to be asked to participate in the dedication of a Veterans Memorial and I’m so glad I was able to be part of this wonderful event!  Over six years in the making and with donations in excess of $650,000, this has been a labor of love for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6073 and the many supporters they have.

The driver behind this Park is current VFW National Council Member George Jones.  His tireless efforts in pushing forward and overcoming obstacles is a testament to will and desire!  The park itself is massive with current static displays of a tank, a ship’s anchor, cannons, and a Cobra helicopter gunship.  There are plans to install an airplane and a missile in the near future.  However, the centerpiece of the park is the 100 foot diameter concrete circle with an honor wall, multiple granite monuments celebrating the different military services, informational kiosks and other military displays.  Plans are in the works to build a military museum on-site!

Walking around this huge park before the crowds arrived allowed me the time to really enjoy the atmosphere…it exudes VETERAN!  Anyone coming here will not only see things but they will receive an education about America’s Veterans.

The Program was stirring and there were many people who spoke, including a local congressman, the Command Sergeant Major from Redstone Arsenal, and various veterans.  I was humbled to be allowed a few minutes to express the feelings of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and what it means to us to see veterans remembered not only now, but for generations to come.  All during the ceremony, two bald eagles, symbols of America, slowly circled overhead as if they were providing top cover and appreciation.  How fitting!

After the ceremony I was able to spend time with the Alabama VFW and Auxiliary leadership.  What a great team!  Working together hand in hand, they truly show that Alabama believes in One Team – One Fight when it comes to serving veterans and their communities.

The 100 foot circle centerpiece

A closer look

Overview of the entire park, with plenty of room for expansion!  I suggested instead of an Airplane on a stick for the Air Force they consider a mini-golf area, because, well, Air Force, right?

 

Granite wall commemorating the 227 Jackson County citizens killed in combat in all of America's wars

Close up of the Air Force Obelisk in the center piece.  Note the Space Force came out after these were installed so Space Force was added to the side of the AF monument

VFW National Council Member George Jones addressing the crowd.  Fitting he was able to do this!

A simple plaque in the center of the memorial.  Sand from around the world where Americans have fought for freedom was mixed together and placed here.

The Cobra Gunship.  Amazingly, the man in the Stetson hat is former Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Hamilton.  He was the pilot of this very helicopter and was on hand for the dedication!

Prior to dinner we were able to tour the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial.  Another stunning nod to America's veterans

A stirring statue!