New memorial unveiled in Satsuma

SATSUMA, Ala. - Folks in Satsuma got their first look at the Veteran's Memorial in front of City Hall Monday morning.

The nearly 23,000 pound monument is engraved with the names of the 12 soldiers from Satsuma and Saraland who fought and died for our country.

Three years ago it was just an idea.

"I just felt like these boys needed to be remembered. They have not been remembered. There needed to be a place in this community that recognized them," Presnall said.

Jack Presnall said it turned out to be a lot harder than he thought.

"It sure was, but Robert and I just kept after it, and we got it accomplished." he said.

The granite memorial cost about $62,000. The community and the city raised half the money. The county commission came through with the rest.

"This is just an extraordinary thing to happen for a community of this size, and I'm just so happy to be a part of it," said Mayor Bill Stewart. Mayor Stewart read each of the names.

Donald Mills is the brother of one of the fallen soldiers.

"Although he made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, he continues to live in us, and today it was just elating to be a part of this ceremony." Mills said.

"I just think it's wonderful my brother was young, very vibrant, and we've grieved the lost for a very long time. And this just honors him for us," said Cheryl Presnall, the sister of another one of the veterans.

The families say the monument is assurance the soldiers sacrifice will always be remembered.

The soldiers named on the monument served from World War II up until the present.