History:
Huntsville – Madison County Veterans Memorial
The Huntsville Madison County Veterans’ Memorial Foundation (HMCVMF) began as a casual conversation 12 years ago on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. This vision was reinforced by the visit of a half-size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall displayed near Big Spring Park Oct. 26-29, 2000. Two veterans and impassioned community leaders discussed the possibility of building a Veterans Memorial in Huntsville to honor the many area veterans of Madison County who have given so much for their country. In 2002 a committee was formed to raise money for the memorial with Bill Stender as its chairman. The City of Huntsville and the Madison County Commission chartered the committee.
The HMCVMF is formally organized as a 501 c (3) nonprofit organization with the following mission:
- Honor and pay tribute to all veterans
- Recognize by name the Madison County veterans who were killed in action during all wars from WW I to present.
- Recognize and honor Madison County veterans awarded the Medal of Honor.
- Inspire our residents and visitors by instilling a sense of pride and respect for all veterans who have served in the armed forces of the United States of America.
- Provide an incentive to serve.
- Be sufficiently interesting so as to educate local residents and visitors, especially the young about the sacrifices made by those that came before them, and those who continue now to guarantee our freedom by serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
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Efforts to raise money were slow at first and came to a standstill in 2003 and 2004 when the city and county leaders turned their full attention to the decisions of the Base Realignment Commission.
The City of Huntsville Planning Commission Authorized the idea by proclamation in March 2004 to be built in the former Gateway Park and rename it Veterans Park in 2006 and efforts to build the memorial restarted with the establishment of the memorial foundation by Bill Stender and Brigadier General (retired) Bob Drolet, with Bill Stender as the Foundation Chair. In 2006 the City of Huntsville made land available on Monroe Street just off Washington Street in downtown Huntsville.
During the fall and winter of 2007, a series of important meetings with Chapman Sisson (Martin Sisson) as well as several other architectural companies were conducted. We also looked at a number of themes before finally agreeing to Courage, Sacrifice, and Duty. We then formed committees and had meetings hosted by Cathy Anderson and Bob Drolet – as we tried to get larger/broader participation from other organizations and people.
The bids for the design and construction of the Memorial were opened on 30 November 2010 and the contract was awarded to Fite Construction for completion in October 2011. In 2012 Fite Construction received the prestigious “Excellence in Construction Award” from the Alabama General Contractors Association for the Veterans Memorial construction.
On December 7, 2010, Pearl Harbor Day, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the newly named Veterans Memorial Park. At the time of the groundbreaking ceremony, the foundation had raised $2 million to the design and construction of the memorial. The estimated cost of the memorial was planned to be over $3 million, all raised by private donations. In January 2008 the HMCVMF began a campaign to raise the final amount necessary to fully fund the construction of the memorial of $4.0 Million. Cathy Anderson was named the Chairwomen of the campaign. At the time of the announcement of the campaign in January of 2008, the fund’s balance was $152,000.00. When the Memorial was dedicated on 11 November 2011 the Memorial was fully funded and debt-free.
The Huntsville-Madison County Veterans Memorial was dedicated on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011. The dedication was attended by approximately 1,000 Government leaders, dignitaries and guests on a beautiful morning at 11:00 AM, Veterans Day November 11, 2011. The List of Government leaders, dignitaries and the Board of Directors in attendance is shown below.
Dignitaries
- Senator Jeff Sessions
- Congressman Mo Brooks
- LTG Richard P Formica
- Mayor Tommy Battle
- Madison County Commissioner Mike Gillespie
2011 Board of Directors
Bill Stender, Chairman Frank Libutti
Robert Drolet Jim Link
Cathy Anderson John Olshefski
Hundley Batts Steve Raby
Larry Capps Jim Rountree
Adrian Erchenbrack Pete Schofield
Jim Flinn Jim Snellgrove
Pat Graves Sandra Steele
Linda Green Jon Stieglitz
Lee Hoekenschneider Grayson Tate
John Holly Tom Young
Tom Houser John Zierdt, Jr.
Veterans Memorial Ambassadors were sworn in on 10 November 2012. The Ambassadors are the connection or bridge to tomorrow. They connect the Veterans and citizens of today to the veterans and citizens of 2062 when the Time Capsule will be opened by the Ambassadors. The details of their Charter and tasks are on the web site, www.huntsvilleveteransmemorial.org. Veterans Memorial Ambassadors were officially chartered in a ceremony on 10 November 2012 at the Memorial. There are 233 Ambassadors who have pledged their commitment and were sworn into the ambassador program on 10 November. Consider that, 233 boys and girls, with their parent’s consent, have recognized the impact and historical significance of the Memorial and have stepped forward to say “include me, I want to be part of this meaningful program and give life to this Memorial now and into tomorrow. Count me in –count on me!” In this day and age to have that response and commitment is overwhelming!!
The Courage Statue, Eternal Flame, and Time Capsule were dedicated with a ceremony on 17 November 2012.
The Patriots Walkway was dedicated on 11 Nov 2013. This completed all major planned construction.
….and then!! New Additions:
As a tribute to all branches of service, the bronze sculpture of “The Aviator” honors our American Pilots who soar in our skies defending our freedom. Dedicated November 11, 2015, this statue pays tribute to all U.S. Armed Forces Aviators for their courage, duty and Sacrifice in defense of our nation and way of life. It is meant to signify Huntsville’s strong ties to aviation as well as commemorate Huntsville’s only casualty of the Persian Gulf War. The US Armed Forces Aviator Statue, sculpted by local artist Dan Burch, was fashioned after Marine Captain James N. “Trey” Wilbourn III who was killed in action on February 23, 1991 during Operation Desert Storm. Capt. Wilbourn was from Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.
The Battlefield Memorial was also dedicated on November 11, 2015. As you stroll along the Patriots Walkway you turn up the Battlefield Memorial Walkway which leads to the Battlefield Memorial Statue, a symbolic representation of the fallen soldier. This solemn place recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by so many on the battlefields here and around the globe. It is placed here to remember those who have fallen and their loved ones who bear the pain of loss.
In 2017, still under the leadership of BG(R) Bob Drolet, the HMCVMF began planning for two new statues on the north side of the Memorial. The statues under consideration were the Wounded Warrior-Combat Medic statue and the Military Family statue.
Wounded Warrior-Combat Medic Statue: Construction for this project began on the north side of the Memorial in 2018 and was dedicated on 18 May 2019. This 1 to 1:1 scale bronze statue honors all Combat Medics and First Responders who lay their lives on the line protecting us in time of grave need & when tragedies strikes and are always at the forefront when needed to save a life. Ignoring the hail of bullets that surround them or braving the flames of a fire with the only thought in mind of saving a life. It is also to honor the thousands of Wounded Warriors who have been injured while serving their country in combat. The models for the First Responder are Major Jeff Owen a combat veteran and John Perry II, a Huntsville Medical Emergency Services (HEMSI) first responder who died as a result of emergency response operations. The Wounded Warrior Statue model is Lance Corporal Kendall Bane who was wounded during combat operations in Afghanistan.
The First Responder Walkway: The First Responder Walkway honors all First Responders, past, present, and future, who watch over us each day so we may continue to enjoy our health and our freedoms. Bricks are available for purchase to be installed in this walkway.
Military Family Statue (Pending): The Military Family shows a family waiting and praying for the safe return of a loved one. It is a 1 to 1:1 scale bronze likeness of a mother and her children waiting on the return of their loved one and represents and pays honor and tribute to the many Gold Star and Blue Star families and fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who honor and support the service and sacrifice of our troops. They are the backbone and heart of the soldier and why they fight to protect our freedom and way of life. Since our beginnings in America’s heartland, they have grown to represent thousands of families that keep our nation strong.
In summary, the public response has been overwhelming in their acceptance and support of the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial. As of the last dedication over 7,000 of the available 10,000 brick pavers have been purchased and are installed. Every brick paver has a story. Every paver touches someone deeply with significant meaning. The Memorial has become a hallowed place where the community can gather to reflect, to ponder, to remember, and to honor loved ones. It is a private place where you can gather your thoughts and reflect; or a place to gather and celebrate with others. It has become many things to many people.
The Memorial honors all who have served, are serving and will serve in the Armed Forces of the United States.
A description of the memorial is located at the Monroe Street entrance.