Tuesday, August 27, 2013

The Melvin Monument

This handsome monument at the corner of Lauderdale Street and Alabama Avenue 
honors Lt. John Tillman Melvin of Selma. He was among the first to volunteer,
 and he was the first American naval officer killed in World War I. He lost his life
 aboard the U.S. patrol boat Alcedo off the coast of France when it was torpoeded
 by a German submarine on Nov. 5, 1917. An inscription reads, "He gave his life
 that democracy and liberty might live."


4 comments:

Leslie Anne Tarabella said...

What a beautiful way to remember a brave man! Pretty street signs too!

Unknown said...

Great image!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

A good way to remember a heroic life.

Tanya Breese said...

what a beautiful tribute to him