George E. Mann was pleasantly surprised Monday morning at the dedication of the newly constructed Veterans Memorial Park at Sportsman’s Lake Park.

“One’s man’s efforts stand above the rest,” said John Riley, a local banker who helped organize the event. “I believe it’s safe to say we would not be here if it not for Mr. Mann. George Mann has risked his life for Americans and came home to serve his country. We dedicate this park today as the George E. Mann Veterans Memorial Park.”

Mann had thought it would be called simply Veterans Memorial Park, but he was honored to find out it would be named after him.

“They really snuck one up on me,” he said. “This is a great honor, even better than receiving the Purple Hearts, because I didn’t have to get hurt for this honor.”

Mann has spent years working to develop the park and was happy to see the dedication. He is a World War II veteran and wants all veterans to be recognized for their service.

“This is the greatest nation,” Mann said. “It just makes our country that much stronger that we are celebrating those who fought for our freedom. This monument is for Cullman County. They gave their blood and didn’t come home. I’m working for them.”

The dedication taking place on Dec. 7 — Pearl Harbor Day — made it especially meaningful for many in attendance.

“It is very fitting that we are gathered here to remember Pearl Harbor Day and to celebrate our veterans,” Riley said. “Every American family was touched by this war (World War II). Every American community needs a place to honor, remember and celebrate our brave men and women.”

“We want to make this a part of Cullman County,” Mayor Max Townson said. “Every year, we will have one of the biggest and best veterans programs.”

The park is a work in progress. The committee and others thought enough was complete to hold a dedication ceremony, but more work is planned. Construction has already begun on the bathroom, and hopes are for an amphitheater to be added later.

“Let’s all remember freedom is not free,” County Commission Chair James Graves said. “This is for those who gave their lives for our freedom. This is a work in progress, and we will continue to enlarge it.”

Commissioners Doug Williams and Wayne Willingham recognized the county bridge crew that did the work. They include Donnie Davis, Morris Helton, Jeremy Jackson, Terry Watwood and Donny Woods. The Veterans Memorial Park Committee was also recognized for their work. They included Sonny Browder, Donald Lynn, Wiley Kitchens, George Mann, John Riley, Sonny Teague, Larry Smith and Jerry Willoughby. The architect was Frank Fagg of F&O Architects.

Rep. James Fields said he was proud to see the park dedication.

“It’s a very exciting day for Cullman,” he said. “The people of Cullman deserve this. One person, George Mann, has worked tirelessly to make this come to fruition.”

The park benches in the park will be available for purchase to place a name in honor or memory. Also, commemorative bricks are still available for purchase at $50 each, with funds going to pay for continued construction at the park. To order one, contact George Mann at 734-1947 or 339-5504 or by mail at 1442 C.R. 1282, Falkville, Al 35622. They are also available at the Cullman County Commission office.

Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.