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By Kris Harrell

The Butler County Alabama Veterans Association unveiled a monument in Georgiana recently, paying tribute to the veterans of Georgiana and Butler County. 

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the association invited elected officials, citizens and veterans to a dedication ceremony for the monument. The group was founded to honor and recognize local veterans, increasing public awareness and more. 

“I’ve been retired] for two decades and moved back here, and we had nothing in place to recognize our veterans who have served their country in the most honorable ways,” said Bernard Rudolph, president of the Butler County Alabama Veterans Association. “We needed something where we could come back to and memorialize them in a way that the world can see and they feel comfortable with. 

“It made me very proud to be a veteran these days. I can honestly say it was something very much needed in Georgiana to recognize and honor these veterans who have served these countries. Many have given their lives or lost their lives for the freedom that each and every one of us is able to enjoy today.”  

The association has been working to construct the monument for the past three years, cooperating with the community and local leaders to secure the location and commission the monument. Additionally, the association raised over $8,000 with cookouts, raffles and patriotic pictures for poles around Georgiana to fund the installation. 

“I feel this is a major success,” Rudolph said. “I was amazed how many of our local community leaders came out today to do this dedication with us. It was very important to us at the Butler County Alabama Veterans Association. We had never had this kind of outpour of support [before] and so it was amazing to me.”

During the dedication members discussed the make-up of the monument and how it relates back to the American veteran. 

For example, granite was listed for its firmness and endurance and steel for its strength and the way it embodies determination. Other pieces listed include concrete, rock and grass. 

“To our honored veterans, your remarkable courage, selflessness and sacrifices have secured our freedom,” the monument reads. “We are forever grateful for your extraordinary service and unwavering dedication. With enduring respect and heartfelt appreciation – The Butler County Alabama Veterans Associations.”

At the unveiling, Georgiana Mayor Franklin Betterton presented the association with a 99-year lease for the monument, allowing it to stay at Watson Park for the upcoming century. 

The Butler County Veterans Association has more plans for Watson Park, including installing a flagpole and a walkway to the monument. 

“I love it; it’s good for Georgiana,” Betterton said. “There’s a lot of people stopping by to look at it, wanting to know what it was before they unveiled it. It’s going to be good for the city of Georgiana.

“We needed this in the city… We just want to thank all the veterans, anybody that was in the military, they [are] really involved in everything that goes on here in the city.”

For their new projects, The Butler County Veterans Association is still seeking donations and support for their upcoming projects like those in Watson Park. To contribute, contact Rudolph at (334) 557-9072.