The inscription on the monument outside the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana reads. &uot;Dedicated to the memory of the brave men from Shelby County who gave their lives that freedom and justice should not perish from the earth.&uot;

The monument lists the names of 128 men who died, 31 during World War I, 74 during World War II, 12 during the Korean War and 11 during the Vietnam War.

Last Monday, Americans took a moment to remember these brave soldiers along with thousands of others who gave their lives so we could walk free on American soil.

We thank them profoundly for their sacrifice, and even more, we thank their extraordinary families for giving us their best.

Let us also take a moment to remember those currently serving on foreign soil to keep us safe.

We owe these men and women our lives. Let’s strive to never forget that