Alabama

Erected by the Veritas Club.

"Founded in 1896 by brother John Judge and Milton Graham Hightower, this small-town livery stable served the community and surrounding countryside until its closing in 1955. Originally located nearby, the business moved to this "New Town" site in 1905. A new brick building was erected in 1914 after the original wood-frame structure was destroyed by fire. 

The Hightower Brothers furnished area farmers with agricultural resources, local businesses with vehicles, and the people of Sylacauga with recreational transportation. In addition to providing mules, horses, wagons, buggies, and farm implements locally, the stable was a major supplier of mules to Camp McClellan in Anniston during World War I. 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, the building was donated by the John Milton Hightower family to Blue Bell Creameries in 2000." -Alabama Historical Association marker, 2002.

"The home of Homer Givens, America's first hero in World War I, was located .4 of a mile north of this intersection. Following a bloody two-hour battle on November 1, 1917, Corporal Givens stood alone after his comrades had fallen. He then managed to kill three enemy soldiers before being severely wounded by twenty-three pieces of shrapnel. Givens was decorated with France's highest military honor, the Croix de Guerre. His award ceremony was attended by General John J. Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Force." -Florence Historical Board marker.

Originally West Park, the name was changed in 1932 to honor Osmond Kelly Ingram, a local firefighter and Medal of Honor recipient. During the Civil Rights Movement the park was an integral location for rallies and demonstrations.

"On February 20, 1919, a row of memorial trees was planted along the east side of what was then Seminary Street (now Harrison Entrance) on city property fronting two new State Normal School dormitories. These trees were planted in honor of the men of Lauderdale County who gave their lives during World War I. On April 20, 1919, an additional tree from the battlefields of France, sent by the President of that country, was planted shortly thereafter. This monument was erected near the trees. The monument was removed from its original location to this site and rededicated on November 9, 2002. The 40 men from Lauderdale County who lost their lives during World War I are listed on a monument in front of the American Legion Building at 318 South Court Street, and at the Veterans Memorial on South Cox Creek Parkway, Florence." -the above text was taken from the historical marker.

Erected by V.F.W. Post 4749.

"Born in Selma, Alabama Oct. 16, 1887. Among the first to volunteer, and the first American Naval Officer killed in action in our war with Germany. Lost his life by a torpedo from a German submarine while aboard the U.S. ship ALCEDO off the coast of France Nov. 5, 1917. He gave his life that democracy and liberty might live." -Memorial text

Erected by the Citizens of Selma.

"William Calvin Maxwell was born Nov. 9, 1892 in Natchez, Ala. An Army ROTC student at the University of Alabama, he left in 1917 to enlist in the Army. He received his commission in April 1918, after completing flight training at Kelly Field, Texas. In 1919, he was assigned to the 3rd Aero Squadron, Philippines. On August 12, 1920, engine trouble forced Lt. Maxwell to attempt to land his DH-4 in a sugarcane field. Maneuvering to avoid a group of children playing below, he struck a flagpole hidden by the tall sugarcane and was killed instantly. On the recommendation of his former commanding officer, Maj. Roy C. Brown, Montgomery Air Intermediate Depot was renamed Maxwell Field on Nov. 8, 1922. 

The Reserve Officer Training Corps was created by the National Defense Act of 1916. Air Force ROTC has its roots in seven Army Air Service ROTC units established at land-grant colleges in the 1920s. The program was significantly expanded after World War II and again in 1964. Air Force ROTC is the Service's largest and oldest source of commissioned officers, recruiting and educating thousands of officer candidates each year at colleges and universities nationwide. The Junior ROTC program provides citizenship training to high school students in the United States and the Department of Defense schools around the world. Maxwell Air Force Base has been home to Headquarters, Air Force ROTC since 1956." -Alabama Historical Association marker, 1995.

The Memorial Amphitheater was dedicated to the University of North Alabama students who lost their lives during the war. Funding was provided by alumni and the U.S Civil Works Administration.

World Wars Memorial

Medal of Honor recipient.