Veterans Memorial Foundation to recognize 100th anniversary of WWI

The Alabama Veterans Memorial Foundation will host its sixth annual Patriotic Tribute on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park.

The park is located off I-459 at the Liberty Parkway Exit 23, and the Patriotic Ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Memorial Plaza. 

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I (1914), this ceremony will focus on Alabama’s involvement in the war. Descendants of WWI veterans will be recognized. Park founder Della Fancher will give a presentation on the history of the Park and its inspirational components.  

Col. Robert Lewis Howard will be honored posthumously with a Medal of Honor plaque designed to be placed on the columns in the Memorial Plaza.

During a brief intermission, visitors are encouraged to read the veterans’ letters and citations of Alabama’s 24 Medal of Honor recipients that are on the Regiment of Columns in the Memorial Plaza as well as artwork from 55 Alabama artists also displayed on the columns. In the Hall of Honor, visitors can view the names of more than 11,000 Alabamians who lost their lives in service to their country in the 20th and 21st Centuries.

After intermission, visitors will reassemble at 2:45 p.m. in the American Flag Plaza for the StepStone Ceremony. The Foundation Board Members will dedicate StepStones to honored veterans. 

Family and friends of these veterans will be given an opportunity to briefly talk about their honored veteran’s service to our country. Each StepStone is a 4x8-inch brick paver that has been engraved with the veteran’s name, rank and branch of service and has been installed for permanent viewing under the American Flag.

This event has no admission fee. Golf carts are available for transportation down the Memorial Trail for both events. Handicap parking is close to the entrance. For more, call 912-2019, email avstepstone@gmail.com or visit alabamaveterans.org.

The Alabama Veterans Memorial Park was created and is maintained by the Alabama Veterans Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization.