By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
I never know when it’s going to hit and reduce me to a puddle — the gut-wrenching gratitude I have for soldiers, for being an American, for being an Alabamian, for being given a second chance. This time it was completely unexpected and totally last minute as I was leaving the “soft opening” of the new State of Alabama Welcome Center that is southbound on I-65 in Ardmore. The ribbon-cutting event sponsored by the Chamber was well-attended; the remarks from dignitaries were touching and humorous, numbers of news outlets were present, and the food was delicious. There was live music—old R&B, and some of us were singing along and dancing. It was a perfect fall day; the sun was bright and the hearts of those present were warmed.
The building is lovely and has the brilliant feature of being remarkably pigeon-proof while not detracting from the architecture. It is huge, one of the largest now in our fair and Sweet Home Alabama. It is up-to-the-minute as far as tech is concerned. Estimated times of arrival for your destination are visible on screens, and the racks for the tourism brochures are large, with room on their shelves for just about every attraction and destination in our state.
Did I say the restrooms were gorgeous? Is it okay to even say that about public restrooms? Well, I just did. I am tellin’ ya, it’s worth a trip to stop by, (once the place opens) just to see and maybe use the restrooms!
OK, let’s deal with the elephant in the room, and that is “the rocket.” We had a concerted “Save the Rocket” campaign in Alabama when the rest area closed, and there was no small amount of controversy over the fact that the rocket was going to have to come down because it had been destroyed by weather and…you guessed it…birds. I am pleased to report that we are going to have another rocket at the rest area. It will be a replica of the original Saturn 1B, that surprising provider of comfort that we all experienced when we crossed the border of Sweet Home Alabama as weary travelers. It’s not here yet, but Rep. Andy Whitt assured us that it is on its way, and its impact as a landmark will finish out the final touches of a rest area that will truly provide rest when it opens.
A touching point of interest that can be seen by travelers as they drive in from I-65 is the area honoring Alabama warriors who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Erected on the northeast portion of the property, and along the walkway that will lead to the new rocket, is the military monuments park which includes monuments honoring local veterans lost during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. And my nearness to this hallowed ground is when and where it hit me; that wild, visceral unpredictable wail on the inside that can only begin to convey my thanks to these men and women I never knew.
I honestly was on my way out of the rest area, feeling the press of putting the paper to bed so that you, dear reader, could be consuming Athens Now in a timely manner because somehow by grace I managed to meet our deadline. I wanted to both check out the memorials as well as pay my respects, and then beat feet back to Athens to get to typin’. At least, that was the plan. I walked barefoot from my little delivery truck, thinking I would enjoy the sun, the breeze, the fall colors, and the feel of the grass beneath my feet for just a moment.
However, my soul had another idea. I took one look, first at the Vietnam Memorial Wall and then the memorial for the Korean War, and I was an immediate hot mess. I bowed my head, let the tears flow and my shoulders bob up and down. And I was glad once again for the scandalous mercy of a holy God. There was a time when at best I would have ignored such a memorial, if I needed to stop and rest at a rest stop. Now I have been “arrested,” if you will pardon the pun; arrested by grace and tasked to tell the tale of its “amazing-ness” as long as I have breath. Warriors, thank you for welcoming me, and us to Alabama the Beautiful.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
December 20, 2024
