It has been a privilege for the staff of USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile to host a large group from Andalusia Elementary School here at the 0ark today for a tour and lunch.

The students and chaperones were extremely well behaved, orderly, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy their time aboard Battleship USS ALABAMA (BB-60), a World War II hero and a National Historic Landmark. All were wearing bright Andalusia tee shirts and it was an impressive sight!

I was especially delighted to see them here as, back some forth-eight years ago, I was a senior in the Class of 1964 at Andalusia High School. That spring, pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters were raised by the school children in all Andalusia schools and all across the State of Alabama to bring the USS ALABAMA to Mobile and save her from being scrapped and lost forever.

To see the future leaders of Andalusia here remembering the history of our great nation is a credit to those who are giving them an excellent education. Andalusia City Schools have always been in the forefront and it is heartwarming to see the students of AES connecting with America’s past, building memories they may carry forth into their and our future.

I’m very proud to be from Andalusia and very proud of the group here at Battleship USS ALABAMA today. I hope all enjoyed the experience as much as I did reminiscing about those days long ago at Church Street Elementary and Andy High!

 

Bill Tunnell, Executive Director

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

Andalusia High School, Class of 1964