Eternal Flame of Freedom
The Eternal Flame of Freedom is a monument located on the southwest corner of Linn Park. The rectangular shaft is constructed of dark- and light-gray granite and features a natural gas flame on top. It faces south, out of the park and toward the intersection of Park Place]] and Short 20th Street. It honors the memory of Jefferson County veterans of all wars.
It was dedicated on March 15, 1969 to the citizens of Jefferson County by local American Legion posts and "patriotic interests" on the occasion of the Legion's 50th anniversary. Cooper Green, then President of the Jefferson County Commission, accepted the marker with the words, "the county accepts with humility the task of maintaining the Flame of Freedom as a perpetual monument."
In recent decades the City of Birmingham has assisted a veterans group with small repairs to the gas jet, which is supplied with fuel free of charge by Alagasco. At some point in the early 21st century, the flame went out and was never repaired. Beginning in 2004 Marine reservist and Iraq War veteran Michael Rudulph began calling city and county officials about the lack of a flame on the monument.
On February 13, 2008, Rudulph, then a UAB student, began holding vigil in the park to bring attention to what he termed a "slap in the face to all who have served". Jefferson County Commission President Bettye Fine Collins faulted the city of Birmingham for the problem, saying that it rests on city property. Mayor Larry Langford's Chief of Staff Deborah Vance countered that although the city has helped with its maintenance, that it remains the responsibility of the County. Ultimately Langford agreed to work with Alagasco to have the flame restored.
Inscription
- (south face)
Eternal Flame of Freedom
Honoring veterans of all wars from Jefferson County
- (east side)
Dedicated March 15th, 1969
50th Anniversary of American Legion
- (west side)
Sponsored by American Legion Posts of Jefferson County,
Jefferson County Commission and Patriotic Interests
References
Robinson, Carol (February 14, 2008) "Marine Corps veteran Michael Rudulph keeps vigil beside unlit Eternal Flame of Freedom in Birmingham's Linn Park." Birmingham News
External links
- Eternal Flame of Freedom at Waymarking.com