FAIRHOPE, Ala. — A concert set to take place Saturday at American Legion Post 199 will not only mark Armed Forces Day, it will also help raise some of the money needed to fund a monument to honor those who served our country, as well as their families.

Proceeds from the Beach Benefit Concert will go toward “Tears of Sorrow - Tears of Joy,” a sculpture crafted by Fairhope artist Stephen C. Spears, which will be placed atop the bluff at Henry George Park in Fairhope, overlooking the city’s main pier.

Folding chairs, sunscreen and kids are all welcome for the concert beginning at 3 p.m. on the Post’s beach stage, 700 S. Mobile Street in Fairhope. Fun, food, friendship and great music will be the order of the day. The Tiki Bar will be open to serve liquid refreshments.

Roman Street will be the first band to take the stage, and they will perform until 5. They performed to a warm reception last month during the First Friday ArtWalk.

The guitarists are internationally trained, and possess a unique sound, blending old styles with a modern twist. They describe their music as a new type of flamenco, jazz and their own brand of fusion.

Luther Wilson Jr. and the Midnight Howlers will then bring to the stage their Lower Alabama blues show, something sure to please.

The musical stage will be emceed by Lori DuBose of WABF-1220 AM.

And you won’t go hungry. The American Legion’s tasty barbecue and all the fixings will be available for purchase, along with hot dogs for the young folks.

Kids may enjoy playing in the sand, dancing to the music and jumping in the free Moonwalk that will be available on the Legion grounds.

Also planned are raffles and silent auctions. Local merchants and businesses donated many exciting items like a golf package at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa. Other items include four ribeye steaks from Mosley’s Fine Meats in Daphne and a dinner certificate from The Shrimp Basket.

Members of the 1165th Military Police Co., based in Fairhope, will be on hand with a vehicle or two that young and old alike will enjoy seeing. All ages will certainly enjoy having their photograph made with one of these soldiers.

No coolers may be brought to the concert. The activities will move to the Legion indoor stage if it rains.

“Tears of Sorrow - Tears of Joy” was conceptualized by Fairhope resident Sarah “Sissy” Scott and brought to artistic fruition by Spears, an internationally known sculptor.

Joe Birindelli, co-chair of the Fairhope Veterans Memorial Committee, said around $250,000 is needed to complete the project, which was the idea of his fellow co-chair, Sheila Propp, Fairhope Courier editor.

He said the spark arose from the 1165th’s initial mobilization and deployment to Iraq, when a citizen’s group was formed to lend support to soldiers in their mission as well as offer comfort and assistance to those at home they left behind.

Birindelli said when Propp made the suggestion that a memorial be erected, the spinoff committee was formed.

Spears’ treatment of Scott’s conception features two bronze sculptures.

The sculpture to face east toward sunrise, that of someone cradling a folded flag as she appears to walk away from a gravesite, honors the sacrifice of all soldiers who have died in service to our country as well as the many sacrifices also made by their families.

The woman could be the wife or mother of a fallen soldier. Birindelli said, “She’s timeless. It could be 1915 or 2008. She’s obviously grieving. She’s lost a husband, son or daughter.”

Scott added, “It shows the strength of the woman and how she is facing unbearable sorrow – facing the new day with that grief.”

The sculpture that will face the bay depicts a kneeling soldier handing a small U.S. flag to a young boy, which symbolizes the patriotic example exhibited by soldiers and their challenge to future generations to preserve and protect our nation.

“It celebrates those who are back with their families,” he said.

Both sculptures are presented in a figure-eight pool on elevated disks of different heights, one white marble and the other black marble.

Water flows from the higher “Tears of Joy” presentation to the “Tears of Sorrow” sculpture and into the pool.

“That’s what makes it so unique,” Birindelli said. “It’s to honor our veterans and their families equally. It’s an inspirational and moving design.”

More than $100,000 has been raised so far for the sculpture, but more than half the battle has yet to be fought. He hopes some cost savings will be realized through the donation of materials and labor for installation.

Advance tickets for the beach entertainment are just $7. Children 12 and younger get in free. Admission at the gate will be $10. Additional contributions will be accepted.

The Fairhope Veterans Memorial Committee is a 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Tickets for the concert are now on sale at American Legion Post 199, VFW Post 5660, Fairhope Elks Lodge 1879, Dr. Music, Jubilee Music, the Fairhope Courier, The Haven, Page & Palette and Olde Tyme Feed & Garden Supply in Fairhope; Picker’s Paradise in Stapleton; and Buster’s in Atmore.