BY DAVID BELL
FOR THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY — Just outside the front entrance of the T. K. Davis Justice Center in Opelika stands a war memorial that many people may not know exists. It contains the names of every Lee County resident who lost their life while serving in the armed forces during World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Known as “The Lee County Four War Memorial,” it serves as a lasting tribute to 154 brave service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of American freedom.
The memorial also contains a four-tiered granite edifice with inscriptions on each tier honoring those who fought and died in the four wars represented. Flags from each branch of the U.S. military round out the memorial’s display.
The Lee County Four War Memorial came to fruition through the efforts of a local committee comprised of private citizens and government officials. They included Kit Conner of Auburn, who designed the memorial, former county official Robert Dupriest, who facilitated the construction, former U.S. Congressman Glen Browder, former State Senator Ted Little, former County Commission Chairman and Probate Judge Hal Smith, Floyd Likins, Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Hunter, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Harlan Baker. But it was the committee’s chairman, Auburn resident and Vietnam War veteran Ron Rainer, who almost single-handedly raised nearly $16,000 to help cover the cost of construction.
Partnering sponsorships were also provided by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 95 of Auburn/Opelika and the Lee County Sunrise Rotary Club.
On Feb. 12, 1990, Rainer appeared before the Lee County Board of Commissioners to ask for their approval and support of the memorial, stating that the Lee County Justice Center had been suggested as a possible site. Commissioners unanimously approved the project.
Seven months later, on a sunny Saturday morning, Sept. 22, 1990, the official dedication ceremony was attended by an estimated 500 people, who witnessed a parachute jump by members of the 101st Airborne and a flyover of five F-16s from Moody Air Force Base. Special guest for the event was Tommy Clack, the “National Disabled Veteran of the Year.” Clack lost both his legs and a right arm while serving in Vietnam.
Another highlight of the ceremony was a presentation of the Purple Heart by U.S. Congressman Glen Browder to local resident O. A. Hunter, a 96-year-old World War I veteran who was gassed while serving in France.
Among the attendees was Opelika resident Steve Penland, who was only nine months old when his father, Army Sergeant First Class Raymond Dempsey Penland, was killed in action while fighting in Korea on Dec. 16, 1950.
“I remember the day of the ceremony very well,” said Penland. “I had an old camcorder with me and I filmed the entire event. It was a very emotional day for everyone.”
Penland’s father is buried in Korea, along with other United Nations service members who fought and died together. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his leadership and valor.
“I don’t have the luxury of going to my dad’s grave site any time I want,” said Penland. “But I can come to this memorial, see his name, and know that he will never be forgotten.”
“This September will mark 34 years since the memorial was dedicated,” Penland added. “It would be nice, maybe next year for the 35th anniversary, to have a joint Auburn-Opelika Memorial Day service on that site. I can’t think of any place more fitting.”
