FLORENCE– Mayor Steve Holt announced that the City of Florence, Lauderdale County, the American Legion Post #11, and the Veterans Memorial Committee are inviting the public to join them for the Memorial Day Ceremony and 40th Anniversary of the Florence-Lauderdale Veterans Memorial Museum at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 29, in Veterans Park, Cox Creek Parkway South.
The Florence-Lauderdale Veterans Memorial Museum was the dream of Anson Cooper, U. S. Army, WW II Veteran, who enlisted the aid of others to help the project become a reality. Its purpose was to perpetuate the memory of the men and women who fought and died for our country. The Veterans Memorial Museum, which is believed to be unique in Alabama, and perhaps the nation, was completed in 1975 and dedicated on May 30, 1977. The actual construction took several years, and when completed, the cornerstone was laid which truly tells the whole story of the Veterans Memorial – “BUILT BY PEOPLE WHO CARED 1972 – 1975.”
Over the years, additional military static displays have been added to the
site. In 2002, the City of Florence and the American Legion Post #11 implemented plans to enhance the Veterans Memorial by restoring and adding static displays. These displays include an AH-1F Cobra Helicopter, an F-4D Phantom Jet, a Medal of Honor recipient display, a 75mm Howitzer, a Hawk Missile, an AGM-28 “Hound Dog” Missile; and historical markers listing all of the names of the Lauderdale County Veterans of WW I, WW II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country. These memorials stand as symbols of the patriotism of the citizens of Lauderdale County.
Please join us as we remember our fallen heroes and commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Museum.
Media Release/Office of Florence Mayor Steve Holt
