Gadsden- Veterans and Citizens of Gadsden on Thursday morning began expressing outrage at the possibility of artifacts on display at the Ola Lee Mize Patriots Park being removed. The park is named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Col. Ola Lee Mize, a Green Beret, and Albertville Native, who was presented the prestigious award for his actions in the Korean War. Mize, later of Gadsden joined the army in 1950 after multiple attempts and being rejected for being too small. He passed away from cancer in Gadsden in 2014. More information is available on his wiki page here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ola_L._Mize
At a recent meeting of the Gadsden Etowah Patriots Association, members were caught off guard when John Moore, Director of Commercial Development and Community Affairs, showed up at the meeting and informed members of the Patriots Association, that an army tank that had long been on display at the park was slated to be removed.
The Park sits on property owned by the City of Gadsden, adjacent to Noccalula Falls Park, but is leased by the Patriots Association. The original lease dates back to the 80’s and the most recent has multiple years left.
The park was founded to honor all Etowah County Veterans. The memorial contains the names of all the veterans from the county killed in battle. There are also exhibits honoring veterans from each era of war. When talking with veterans and members of the Patriots Association, the word Sacred kept coming up. It is a special place to many veterans in the area, who have served in combat, as well as families of those who have served.
WEIS Radio reached out to City Councilman Chris Robinson of District 7, in whose district the park is located. Councilman Robinson stated that to his knowledge, the issue arose because the city had fears regarding possible liability if someone were injured due to the tank on display. He stated that there was a possibility the tank would be moved, but that nothing was certain at this time. The possibility remained that it could stay. He did say the outdoor museum which houses artifacts on loan from members of Col. Mize’s family, as well as from other military members from different wars, was to be torn down. He stated it had been found to be in poor state, and had trouble leaking.
These photos were taken Thursday afternoon, and no obvious damage or signs of leaking were immediately visible, and the artifacts seemed to be well maintained and in good shape. Of course, there could very well be problems that were not immediately noticeable.
We asked Robinson about people saying the Tank was already in the works of being moved to the city of Chelsea. He stated there were talks of that being a possible landing spot for the tank, but reiterated that no plans were final. He said that a lot would have to be done if that were eventually decided.
The tank is owned by the US Army, and is on loan for display. The question is, to who? There seemed to be some confusion on who was responsible on the lease of the tank, the Patriots Association, or the city of Gadsden. Robinson stated that the issue was being looked into by the City Attorney. The issue had arisen quickly, and the city was working to answer any legal questions that may remain. He assured us, that the park itself was in no danger of being closed, and that the tank and the museum were the only items that had been discussed and the issues had first come into conversation in the last year and a half. He said the city was interested in consolidating some of the items closer to the memorial building, and making some improvements to the park.
The US Army has protocol in place for handling and moving such artifacts, and by law, it would require that the US Army give permission to move such an artifact. When on loan for display they have standards in place that dictate such actions. It is unclear if the Army has been contacted on the issue.
We reached out to the City of Gadsden Public Affairs Coordinator Michael Rodgers, who said he had not been briefed on the issue, but he would look into it. He responded back quickly with the following statement:
“Recently, we’ve gotten some questions from citizens about the Patriots Park located at Noccalula Falls Park, so we wanted to share some information.
Mayor Ford has some ideas to update the Patriots Park, but there are no plans to do away with the park, only early plans to enhance it and make it more educational.
The mayor is an officer in the Alabama Army National Guard, so having a park that veterans can be proud of is a top concern.
There are some repair issues that need to be addressed, and we’ll be working with the Patriots Association on these in the coming weeks.”
The same statement was released on the cities Facebook page.
We attended a meeting held with members of the Patriot’s Association to see if that information lined up with what they were being told. One of the first questions we had, was if such issues were a problem, had they been contacted or it discussed with them, since they lease the land, run the park, and over see the exhibits. Moore’s statement at the meeting was the first they had heard at all. Many are wondering why, if such issues exit, would the Association not be made aware earlier, and involved in any decision making? Especially since they believe the item is in their care. At this point, there has been no clear answer from the city.
The Association takes great pride in caring for the park, and for our veterans. When asked about the lack of communication and the sudden ambush at their meeting, they said they felt “blind sided.” Much like the city, they have now been pushed into having to dig, and find out legally what options they have to protect our veterans park. One thing to note, is they were very clear that the park belongs to the veterans of the county and Gadsden. They are simply stewards of it, and are here to serve the veterans in the area.
Also, in seeming conflict with the statement we received from the city, is while present at the meeting, individuals from the association were in contact with Moore, and were told that the tank, the museum, and the helicopter are all going to be removed.
The association members obviously feel slighted, confused, and angry. They are not the only ones, many veterans have reached out to express their displeasure, and desire for none of the items to be removed. They question why the Association would not be made aware of any plans, if such plans are legal, and at the lack of transparency from the city if these plans have been being discussed or put into place.
While there may be some questions in responsibility for the tank, that is not the issue with the Helicopter on display.
It is owned by the Patriots Association and they took great pride in locating, raising the funds, transporting, and arranging for its display.
When speaking with Robinson, we asked him about the rumors that the area may be cleared for a parking lot. He stated there were no plans for a lot, but that it had been discussed for some spaces to be added near the road between the Patriots Park and the Falls Park on the side of the Patriots Park.
When asked about their willingness to work if the city was indeed willing to make improvements to the park, they were open to such, but not with their artifacts being taken away. In fact, they had previously been working with the city and the previous administration as far back as 2019. The plans never came to fruition. They state they want the park to be the best that it can be, and to honor our veterans in a way they deserve. They will be looking at what options they have to protect and attempt to safeguard the artifacts and the park.
We also asked about Col. Mize’s family and their feelings on the mater. Mrs. Mize, his widow was apparently very upset with the developments, far before the information was public or discussed on social media or anywhere else. She was informed of the situation after the “blindsiding” at the meeting. Out of respect at this time, we have not reached out to her directly, but hope to have the opportunity to speak with her in the near future.
The city has agreed to meet with at least some of the association next Thursday, at a meeting at city hall. They have required that it be only board members of the association in attendance , and have asked for a list of people who are coming in advance. The association at this time said it would take some time before they knew who all would be able to attend.
To contact the city of Gadsden here is the information for the Mayors Office:
Hopefully now that the issue has been brought into the light, and the public is aware, they can make their voice heard. In the long run, the best outcome will be one that has the support of area veterans, and one that will honor the hard work and the mission of the Gadsden Etowah Patriots Association, and of course the Memory of Col. Ola Lee Mize.
Gadsden Etowah Patriots Association Etowah Chamber Page:
This is a developing story, and we will continue to monitor it, and will make updates as more information becomes available and continue to cover the situation as it unfolds.
