Veterans’ monument dedicated
A large group of supporters and well-wishers were on hand for a very special event at Watson Park in Georgiana on Wed, Feb. 5.
An impressive granite memorial sponsored by the Butler County Alabama Veterans Association (BCAVA) was dedicated to Butler County Veterans to honor and immortalize their sacrifices.
BCAVA President Bernard Rudolph led off the ceremony. He said the group is proud that the monument is paid in full through donations accumulated through three years of fund raising.
He added, “We honor our Veterans’ service and thank them for defending the very freedom we enjoy each and every day.”
The group is now in need of funds to beautify the area around the monument.
BCAVA Treasurer Willie White described their plans to pave a walkway from Watson Park’s entry to the monument.
He said, “We intend to sell engraved bricks in honor of loved ones and as memorials. We would also like for family members of deceased Butler County veterans to contact us about our program to have their loved one’s name inscribed on the back of the monument.”
Pauline Littles is vice president of the BCAVA. She stated how glad she is to be a part of such a wonderful organization, and noted that the company who created the monument donated a flag. Now all that is needed are funds to purchase a flagpole to fly it.
Another member, Shari Lowery, expressed gratitude to all those who supported the project by donating money and participating in raffles and cookouts.
The group was formed seven years ago by Vonciel Bedgood, described as one of the most civic-minded people in Georgiana. Bedgood started the tradition of holding an annual Georgiana Veterans Day parade.
Speakers included Mayor of Georgiana, Frank Betterton. Betterton signed a land use license to ensure the monument remains in place at Watson Park for 99 years.
Mayor Dexter McClendon of Greenville stated, “We don’t spend enough time thanking our veterans. Where would we be without our veterans?”
Officers indicated that the BCAVA’s Facebook page will be up and running very soon. In the meantime, for further information, please contact Willie White at 334-453-0321.
