Dear Mr. & Mrs. Blain, I want to begin by thanking you for your hard work in building your granite statue to honor American troops that have served our country. Such patriotism and support for our soldiers is fundamental to the strength and security of our nation. Abraham Lincoln stated wisely that “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” You and we are proud of our soldiers. In Huntsville, our community doesn't just look from afar and admire the dedication and commitment to the proud men and women who serve our country every day. In Huntsville, it is a true part of our being - and a part that we are incredibly proud of. From the shores of Normandy to the battlegrounds in Korea, Vietnam and Iraq, our veterans fought for our freedom. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives. Today, Huntsville, Alabama honors our veterans with a park located in the heart of downtown. This beautiful setting with large shade trees and benches is a place where families can enjoy the freedoms that come with being an American. Your statue could be a centerpiece of the Veterans Park serving as a memorial to those who served this country and kept us free. This park was built, not as the result of an individual, but as the result of a community coming together to honor those who have served. Even more possibilities exist with our local Veteran’s Museum and at the entrance of Redstone Arsenal. Since 1941, Huntsville and Madison County have been the proud home of Redstone Arsenal. In fact, Redstone Arsenal and the surrounding areas contain approximately 160,000 soldiers (active, veterans and their dependents) and 27,000 civilian personnel supporting the arsenal's programs - when we say that Huntsville is a community made of veterans that is a statement that could not be truer. One of the most moving things about our community also involves our “greatest generation.” Local area citizens, government and elected officials and our entire community participate in the national Honor Flight initiative. Honor Flight’s purpose is to fly veterans to Washington, DC to visit the World War II Memorial to honor their sacrifices. The local Honor Flight Tennessee Valley chapter has flown 500 WWII veterans to visit the memorial. I have no doubt that dozens of communities, all strong in their own right, are expressing what they do to honor our veterans. In Huntsville, however, honoring veterans is not something we do – it’s part of who we are. I can think of no better home for this monument than Huntsville, Alabama. With our rich history of involvement with the United States Military and the deep roots that thousands of veterans have in our community we would provide a dignified home for this great statue. Huntsville, Alabama is the city that took man to the moon. Our citizens appreciate the risk it takes to move mankind forward and those who are brave enough to face the challenges. That is what makes our nation great. Your statue is welcome in our city. It would be an honor. Sincerely, Tommy Battle Mayor And the following Citizens of the City of Huntsville, Madison County and our supporting communities...

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