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Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com
PAGE 3 June 2025
TRAVELING ALABAMA North Alabama Honors Patriots with New Trail The diversity of North Alabama draws visitors for a variety of reasons, many of which are highlighted and celebrated in a series of trails aimed at guiding travelers through the best of the region. From scenic waterfalls and creative murals to famous Alabama barbecue and the inspiring Hallelujah Trail, there is an amazing collection of attractions throughout this 16-county region. One of the newest of North Alabama’s trails is a tribute to those who have served in America’s armed forces. The North Alabama Patriot Trail features a variety of monuments, museums and parks across the region that honor veterans of the United States military. From memorials listing names of the fallen to museum displays of military equipment and artifacts, there are tributes and educational exhibitions chronicling military operations and conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts. The trail includes more than a dozen war memorials across the region, erected by towns, cities and counties that want to honor and show appreciation to their native veterans. In addition to these locations, there are a number of other notable, one-of-a-kind locations with moving stories throughout the region that each honor veterans in a unique way. They include some of the following locations: • The Circle of Valor on the Colbert County Courthouse lawn (201 North Main Street, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-383-0783), which honors veterans on foreign wars • The Etowah Memorial Bridge (East Broad Street, Gadsden, Alabama 35901), memorializing the county’s local heroes. • At the Winston County Courthouse (10 Blake Drive, Double Springs, Alabama 35553; Phone; 205-489-5533) is the Free State of Winston remembered and the Dual Destiny Statue on display. This intriguing work of art portrays a half-Confederate, half-Union soldier. • The Memorial Amphitheater (132 Shelby Way, Florence, Alabama 35632; Phone: 256-765-4100) is located on the campus of the University of North Alabama. It was built in 1934 and is dedicated to the valor and patriotism of students who served in World War I. Other notable North Alabama sites include: • U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum (2060 Airport Road Southwest, Huntsville, Alabama 35801; Phone: 256-883-3737) The Museum is considered one of the premier military museums in the country. It is dedicated to noting the accomplishments of American military men and women, with emphasis on participants of World War I and subsequent conflicts. Displays include more than 30 historical military vehicles from World War I to the present, including the oldest surviving jeep, the Ford Pygmy. • Alabama Veterans Museum And Archives (114 Pryor Street West, Athens, Alabama 35611; Phone: 256-771-7578) This collection includes an impressive display of artifacts from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm and "Operation Enduring Freedom." Visitors can walk among the actual uniforms, medals, photos and weapons. Guided tours are provided by local veterans. A database of veterans and a rental venue are also available. • Buffalo Soldiers Memorial (2800 Poplar Avenue Northwest, Huntsville, Alabama 35816) In 1866, Congress passed legislation establishing two cavalry and two infantry regiments made up of African Americans, to serve in the United States Army. Following their service in the Spanish-American War, the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry were encamped at Cavalry Hills in Huntsville and commanded by Army legend “Black Jack” Pershing. This special memorial at Cavalry Hill is dedicated to these Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry. The Buffalo Soldiers participated in several battles, winning six medals of honor for gallantry in action. Today, the memorial honors all African Americans who have served in all the nation's wars. • TVA Goes to War Marker (Reservation Road, one mile east of Alabama Route 133, Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661) Located at the Tennessee Valley Authority's Visitor Center Kiosk, this marker describes TVA’s role during WWII, when it answered the urgent call for more electric power. They built hydroelectric and coal-powered steam plants, resulting in increased available power to fuel the war effort. As part of the Manhattan Project, TVA supplied millions of kilowatts of electricity to a top-secret facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. • Cost of Freedom Veterans Museum (135 North Main Street, Arab, Alabama 35016; Phone 256-738-4791) This non-profit museum was conceived when a group of veterans gathered around a breakfast table decided to share the variety of memorabilia they had from their time in the military. Add to these, a list of county museums, and a variety of memorials, and the extent of this trail becomes clear, as does North Alabama’s dedication to honoring its heroes.
PUBLISHER'S CORNER Opinion by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
Henderson Graduates From LSU Banking School The Board of Directors Speaking of information, the newspaper is also currently gathering dates and times for media and pictures days for area high school football and volleyball programs. Coaches are encouraged to call or email thesportsledger@gmail.com with any summer play dates, upcoming picture times, or to provide statistics, results, and event schedules. I am not sure if we need the Justice League or the Avengers, but the violence and protesting going on in parts of California and in other cities around the United States needs to be stopped. So what is the problem? For starters, there are too many illegal immigrants in the United States who do not have enough sense to go back to their own country on their own. Some people believe that President Trump's use of military force may not be the most tactful or effective way to deport these folks, and that his efforts are not the way to help local and state authorities deal with protesters in places like Los Angeles. Do people really think this? If not the Marines or ICE, who are they going to call. Maybe the Ghostbusters! All joking aside, this is a serious issue and it is time for all parties involved to grow up. Any group that wants to protest something needs to do it legally and peacefully. Despite what some media outlets and loony democrats have reported or said, the recent California protests have not been peaceful. I mean people are burning vehicles and throwing objects at law enforcement. This is not okay! As far as law enforcement, many seem worried about fighting back or using force to stop criminals and illegals. Grow up and do whatever it takes to get control of the madness and show folks you mean business. No, I am not advocating violence and death, but I fully believe authorities have every right to fight back without fear of repercussions, worrying about public opinion, or their five minutes of fame on a social media video. On a different note, many local municipal elections are kicking off. Remember to make your voice heard and go vote. Every town has various problems and issues, and our local communities must have strong leadership. This is not just in the Mayor's office, but throughout the City Council and in all positions. Just imagine if some of the public officials in California were in charge in your local community! Wow, that's a scary thought. The Alabama Ledger will not be endorsing any local candidates this year. However, if any candidate would like to submit a short bio we will be glad to publish the notice about your campaign. This should be 250 words or less. After that we charge .20 cents per word for extended bios and $10 per photo. The newspaper also offers other paid political advertising opportunities in print and online. Give us a call at 256-506-7368 to find out more information.
2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Jonathan joined the bank in 2015 as a teller in the loan department. He attended the Alabama Banking School and graduated in 2019. He now serves as Vice President/ Loan Officer. He and his wife Casey, and their girls, Halle, Katie and Nora are members of Hodge Baptist Church. Other than family and banking, Henderson enjoys hunting and golf. “First State Bank is known for its dedication to supporting the community, while continuing to keep banking the way it should be -- fast, friendly, and local," added Jones. "We look forward to Jon’s future with us and helping further our relationships with our customers and businesses while continuing to offer, hometown banking wherever you are."
of First State Bank has announced that Jonathan Henderson has graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. The Graduate School of Banking is considered one of the most prestigious banking schools in the United States. The school is celebrating its 75th year and over that time there have only been some 17,000 graduates from all across the country. “This is a significant achievement and the result of hard work and dedication,” said Jamey Jones, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We are very proud to have Jonathan as a member of the First State family and appreciate his work ethic and desire to be the best banker possible for our bank and our community," added Jones. “If you haven’t met Jonathan we invite you
Jonathan Henderson
to go and meet him, you will find him friendly and willing to help you with all your banking needs,” Pam Gipson, Senior Vice President said. Henderson is a 2004 graduate of Plainview High School, and graduated from Montevallo University in
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