By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



A two-year old project to honor Gardendale’s veterans and war dead is now complete.

On Friday, a black granite monument weighing about 2,800 pounds was installed as the final piece of the renovated Veterans Memorial Park, located in the 1200 block of Decatur Highway.

Richard Bradley of Laser Works of Alabama designed and created the patriotic monument, honoring those who have served in the nation’s wars.

The $30,000 Memorial Park Renovation has been overseen by the Gardendale Beautification Commission. Commission Chairman Louie Pearson said the work done on the monument and the park has exceeded his expectations.

“I told the workers who were putting it [the monument] up that I’ve seen pictures of this for two years and to see it really sitting there was something special for me,” he said. “I was told there have been a lot of people stopping by to check it out.”

One of the recent visitors was Gardendale Mayor Othell Phillips, who took his family to the park on Saturday to get a first-hand look at the park improvements.

Phillips said the monument holds special meaning for him because his late father was drafted as a junior in high school and served in World War II in the U.S. Navy.

“I brought my family because I wanted to teach my kids to honor and respect those who served,” he said. “The park’s a fantastic asset to the community and provides a way for the city and residents to come together and give back to those who put their lives on the line to give us a free country.”

Pearson said while the park is open for visitors to enjoy, it won’t be formally dedicated until Memorial Day. However, a small ceremony will be held at the park within the next few weeks.

The beautification commission is also continuing to sell bricks to anyone who wants to honor a loved one. The cost of the black granite bricks containing three lines of text is $30. Pearson said 272 bricks had already been sold as part of the memorial. The park may also be receiving a piece of history in the form of a war-time helicopter. Negotiations between the commission and military officials are ongoing, according to Pearson.

Lastly, the commission may also publish a book of photos, war stories and memorabilia provided by local residents. Pearson he has collected a few file folders’ worth of information from those who purchased bricks to honor loved ones. He did not say when the book might be compiled and published.

Those who would like to purchase a brick for the renovated Gardendale Veterans Memorial Park can contact Pearson at 631-9804.