A monument was unveiled Saturday at E.M. Henry Park in Clanton that memorializes two members of the West End community who lost their lives while serving their country.

The memorial dedication was the centerpiece of the first May Day Fest, which organizers plan to hold annually on the second Saturday in May as a way to bring together the community.

The monument was erected in honor of SP4 Charles Turner, a 1959 graduate of Chilton County Training School who was killed on Sept. 27, 1966 in Vietnam; and SSG George Alexander Jr., who served in eight tours in the Middle East before being killed by a roadside bomb on Oct. 22, 2005.

Alexander was the 2,000th U.S. soldier killed in combat in Iraq since the beginning of the 2003 invasion.

Paul Dickerson, executive committee chairman of West End Neighborhood Watch, the organization that planned the event, welcomed those in attendance, talked about WENW’s history and goals and thanked sponsors.

Pastor Tommie Nettles of Union Missionary Baptist Church gave the invocation, and Pastor Cynthia Jones of Fountain Chapel AME Church read scripture.

American Legion Post 343 Commander Barbara White introduced the program before the presentation of the colors and The National Anthem performed by Mildred Good.

Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance before hearing from SMSGT Roger Ware, who said he attended Chilton County Training School with Turner and drove from Atlanta after hearing about the program so he could take part.

“There’s a four-letter word that all military people understand, and that’s ‘home,’” Ware said.

Next to speak was Command Sergeant Major Carl Zeigler, who talked about his efforts to memorialize Turner and Alexander, eventually leading to the installation of the monument.

Zeigler talked about what it would be like for a young man from West End to travel to a faraway land to fight for his country.

“Throughout wars, we have lost millions of soldiers,” Zeigler said. “Every life is a precious life.”

Ocie Williams, retired Master Sergeant, talked about the importance of the memorial.

“This is a great day for the West End,” Williams said. “This is a great day for Chilton County. This is a great day for the state of Alabama.”

“O’ Beautiful” was sung by Kay Baker, and a moment of silence was observed.

Other officials who spoke included Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver, Clanton City Councilwoman Mary Mell Smith, Clanton City Councilman Greg DeJarnett and Jackie Baker, president of West End Neighborhood Watch.

“I’m very thankful to see what has been done in this neighborhood,” Driver said.

“This is a very fitting tribute to these two men,” Smith said.

“This is something that I’ve always wanted to see, so our young people can see that something good has continually come out of West End,” DeJarnett said. “As we come together today in the spirit of love, this is what it’s all about.”

Baker talked about how leaders have to fight a perception of indifference toward West End.

“They care now because they see the opportunity that we’re trying to create,” he said. “This is something that has just started. The cloud is breaking up.”

A roll call was given, along with the folding and presentation of American flags to the families of Turner and Alexander.

Taps was played before the monument was unveiled as family members stood around.

American Legion Post 343 Commander Barbara White placed a wreath on the memorial, and DeJarnett closed the program.

Attendees grilled out and enjoyed a day full of activities after the dedication ceremony.