FAIRHOPE, Alabama—People of all ages, races and gender, in uniform and civilian clothes, stood, sat or rested in wheelchairs, at the beautiful setting of the bluff at Henry George Park overlooking Mobile Bay, for the unveiling and dedication of the Fairhope Veterans Memorial last Thursday evening.

It was an emotional yet dignified event, intended to lift eyes and hearts to see what the men and women of our nation’s armed services have sacrificed to protect our freedoms. And not just those who serve, but their families as well.

“When (the) 2004 Iraq veterans came back to Fairhope, after losing 25-year-old Christopher Taylor from their company, we realized something was needed—we solicited help from art people around the country,” Joe Birindelli, co-chair of the Fairhope Veterans Memorial Committee, said during the dedication ceremony. “(My wife) Sissy and I were on a five-month tour in Iraq with the Corps of Engineers.

“She came up with an idea for the memorial,” he said. “When she told me her idea, it brought tears to my eyes.”

Whether speaking formally to the large crowd at the dedication ceremony, as Birindelli did, or informally before the event, as Jim Watson did, participants at the Fairhope Veterans Memorial dedication on May 30were not embarrassed to mention or exhibit tears.

“I ran into six classmates from Baldwin County over there (Vietnam),” said Watson, of Bay Minette, who served in the U.S. Army. “Each time it was like being at home. All of a sudden we’d recognize each other, and tears would roll down our faces.”

The Baldwin Pops orchestra played Bach chorales as a prelude to the ceremony. VFW Post 5660 Honor Guard posted the colors and at the close retired the colors. Fairhope Boy Scout Troop 47 presented a memorial wreath to the families of fallen soldiers Christopher Taylor and Michael Cote.

The memorial sculpture, “Tears of Sorrow, Tears of Joy,” by Fairhope sculptor Stephen C. Spears, depicts a woman holding a folded American flag in memory of a loved one (a husband or a son, perhaps) who has died in war. It also depicts a soldier kneeling beside a young boy, as he hands a small flag to the child (perhaps a father, returning to his family after his service).

Keynote speaker Winston Groom, award-winning author from Baldwin County, offered a personal story to highlight the significance of the memorial.

“Vietnam vets don’t talk too much about their war,” Groom told the large audience. “People often don’t understand. When I returned from Vietnam an old friend saw me walking down on Royal Street in Mobile.

“‘Where you been, Groom?’ he hollered across the street,” Groom said. “I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t really want to talk about it. So I said, ‘Oh, I’ve been around.’

“I’ve been lucky, able to write about my experiences,” Groom said. “A lot of people hold it in, but this memorial gives them a place to come to sit during a beautiful sunset like this, and look at this, and think their thoughts, and no one has to say anything.”

World War II veterans, who were seated near the front of the crowd in wheelchairs, and others, will be able to “sit and think their thoughts” at the memorial, because the park is accessible to all and has nearby parking spaces.

“If people are willing to die so we can be free to enjoy this beautiful sunset, we can at least set aside a place to remember and honor those who sacrificed,” said Fairhope Mayor Kant, in response to those who have complained about locating the memorial on the bluff where they want a clear view of the water. “It’s our job to teach the younger generation. We forget, and we need to remember.”

On the wall near the woman with the folded flag stands, is engraved, “On behalf of a grateful nation.“ On the wall near the soldier and boy is engraved, “Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard.“

The memorial includes a fountain upon which the woman and soldier stand. The water moves in an infinite loop, signifying there is no end to the cause and tribute, according to the memorial website and brochure.

“I am so glad that this memorial includes all those who have served,” Groom said. “Everyone who serves is a hero. They put themselves in harm’s way.”

The water that flows on and around the veterans memorial speaks volumes without words. We get the message: tears of sorrow, tears of joy.

And we remember.