GLENCOE — In Glencoe, patriotism is not simply a phrase on a sign or a title granted by the state. It is something visible, deeply rooted, and carried out by the hands of people who believe honoring service is not just important — it is a responsibility.
Since September 2003, Glencoe has officially carried the designation of the “City of Patriotism,” a title awarded by the Alabama Legislature and then-Governor Bob Riley. But for many residents, patriotism in Glencoe has never been about a slogan or civic branding. It reflects the spirit of the city itself.
Anyone driving Highway 431 through Glencoe on or near a federal holiday has likely seen one of the city’s most recognizable and moving traditions. The highway median transforms into what many know as the “Highway of Honor,” where rows of American flags, mounted on white crosses and bearing the names of native sons and local residents who served their country in combat, stand in tribute.
The display is striking to passing motorists, but behind every flag is an enormous amount of planning, labor, and dedication.
According to Charles Gilcrest, the tradition dates back at least 40 years. In the morning, on the day the display goes up, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1048, alongside workers from the City of Glencoe, begin the careful work of preparing the median and placing each cross and American flag.
This year, Gilcrest said volunteers placed 247 flags.
The work is meticulous. Volunteers walk the median section by section, carefully placing each tribute in its designated spot to ensure the names of those honored are respectfully displayed.
And the work comes with risks.
Traffic continues flowing steadily along one of the area’s busiest roadways, requiring close coordination for safety. Glencoe Police officers provide a blocking escort and closely monitor traffic while volunteers work in the median. This year, Glencoe Police Chief Kennon McKenzie took part in protecting workers, allowing WEIS Radio to ride along as he operated a fire truck positioned to shield volunteers from traffic as they carried out the mission.
For many involved, the work is deeply personal.
Josh Wells, a member of the VFW, shared photographs of multiple family members whose names are represented together in the median, including his father, Larry Wells. Wells, a former commander of VFW Post 1048, who had long been part of the effort to honor veterans in Glencoe.
This year, however, his absence was noticeable.
Wells recently passed away, and for those who worked alongside him for years, Memorial Day preparations felt different without him there.
His absence represented a larger reality facing the group.
Many of the men who spent years volunteering to place the flags have either passed away or are now dealing with health challenges that prevented them from participating this year. The loss of longtime volunteers has been deeply felt among those continuing the tradition.
Yet despite age, health concerns, and the physical demands of the work, the volunteers continue showing up.
Several VFW members noted that many of the men helping are now in their 70s and still returning each year, determined to ensure the memory of those who served remains visible to everyone who lives in or passes through Glencoe.
Among those helping this year were City of Glencoe workers, assisting alongside veterans to help ensure the tradition continues for years to come. As longtime volunteers age, many recognize the importance of passing the responsibility to a new generation willing to carry forward what has become a labor of love.
Recognizing the hard work and dedication of those involved, Glencoe Mayor Chris Hare wanted to do something special for the volunteers this year.
After crews returned from planting the flags, Mayor Hare and the City of Glencoe hosted a reception at City Hall to thank those who had spent the morning honoring others. The gathering served as a moment of appreciation for the volunteers whose behind-the-scenes work often goes unnoticed, despite playing such a vital role in preserving one of Glencoe’s most meaningful traditions.
For many, it was a fitting gesture in a city that prides itself on patriotism.
The Highway of Honor stands as more than a Memorial Day display. It serves as a visible reminder of sacrifice, duty, and service. Every cross in the median tells a story — of a son, father, brother, neighbor, or friend who answered the call to serve in combat.
But the display also tells another story.
It reflects the dedication of the people still willing to rise early, walk busy medians, brave the weather, and do the difficult work necessary to ensure those names are never forgotten.
As motorists travel through Glencoe this Memorial Day season, the rows of American flags offer a moment to pause and remember those who served. But they also offer an opportunity to appreciate the men and women quietly continuing a tradition built on gratitude and remembrance.
If you happen to see members of VFW Post 1048, city workers, or the volunteers who spend hours placing and maintaining the Highway of Honor, it may be worth offering a simple thank you.
Because in Glencoe, patriotism is not something spoken about once a year.
It is something lived.
