DAPHNE, Ala. — The plaque reads, “This Memorial is Dedicated to All the Brave Men and Women Who Proudly Served in the United States Armed Forces Protecting Freedom Around the World.” But perhaps it’s the eternal flame burning atop a boulder at Patriot’s Point in Daphne that will so poignantly remind visitors to the monument that the bravery of those who served, and those still serving, is a guiding light to not only us, but also to those around the world still seeking the freedom we enjoy.

Dignitaries, veterans, Daphne city employees and others were present Friday morning, May 25, when Patriot’s Point was dedicated. The monument is located in front of the Daphne Civic Center complex.

The flags and insignias of all branches of the military are displayed, as is a flag representing those still missing.

The colors were presented during the ceremony by the Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. Dr. Barry Booth led the Pledge of Allegiance, Lamar Green sang the National Anthem and Aubury Fuller, who is very active in Honor Flight South Alabama, gave the invocation. Taps was performed by Alabama Rep. Randy Davis.

The keynote speaker was Col. William Callendar (Ret.). He pointed out to those gathered, “You would not be here in this sun if you were not a patriot in one form or another, because you are committed to your community.”

Comparing those who fought and died during the American Revolution to those living in communities throughout Baldwin County, he added, “We Americans are not a bit different as patriots because we value and we treasure liberty. Men and women put their lives on the line every day.”

Callendar urges officials to maintain a strong defense, particularly in an age where terrorism is a constant threat to Americans and others worldwide.

The monument was made possible by city officials, along with Dr. Barry Booth, the Daphne Public Works Department’s grounds, streets and maintenance staffs and the staff and management of Daphne Utilities.

Daphne Public Works Director Richard Johnson said that along with Dr. Booth, that Wayne Coley, the department’s ground supervisor, was a driving force behind the effort to replace a rose garden with the area where area residents can go to honor those who served.

“We had a rose garden that was not taken care of and nobody really knew about. It was not very sightly. It was problematic,” Johnson said. “Beautification (committee) wanted to do some kind of patriotic display or feature. Between Beautification and our grounds superintendent, they got this germ of an idea that continued to grow.

“We approached Dr. Booth since he’s involved in veteran issues and things like that, and the eternal flame kind of grew into that. Between all those parties, this is the final result. It was organic in its genesis, kept growing, and here we are today.”